To Our Customers and Neighbors,
Recently, in a 5 to 3 vote, the Eugene City Council passed a ban on the use of natural gas in new homes, eliminating energy choice despite consistent polling that shows 70% of Eugene voters are opposed to this action. By being unwilling to put this issue out for a public vote, the Council also ignored the voices of thousands of residents, workers and community leaders that registered their opposition in writing and in person. The climate analysis the City published to support this ban is one tenth of one percent of an emissions reduction benefit in 2037.
We want our customers and the Eugene community to know that NW Natural developed several innovative proposals for the City designed to reduce emissions, while also preserving energy choice. All were rejected. We believe this is a disservice to everyone who lives in Eugene and to our shared climate goals.
What the Council’s vote means – and doesn’t mean
The City of Eugene’s actions are scheduled to take effect for new residential building permits submitted on or after June 30, 2023.
The Council’s actions do not impact existing natural gas customers’ service or appliances, the ability to replace appliances or equipment such as gas furnaces, or conversion projects from electricity or wood for existing homes.
With your support and engagement, we will do all we can to keep it that way.
We’re committed to community collaboration
We believe Eugene voters should have a say on this decision, which is why NW Natural is supporting a signature gathering campaign to get the Council's decision to ban gas in new homes on the ballot. This effort is not paid for by NW Natural customers.
For 164 years, NW Natural has met the moment in service to our customers and the communities we call home. We remain committed to solutions that reduce emissions meaningfully, safely, reliably and affordably.
We’ll be in touch.
NW Natural is committed to a carbon-neutral future. Achieving this may be the single most important issue for our region and our future. We believe a collaborative effort with energy system diversification will produce better results, faster and more affordably.