Bend could become the second city in Oregon, behind Ashland, to impose a tax on new natural gas appliances.

TODAY The Bend City Council is going to advance discussions on restricting natural gas in new residential construction – a decision that could drive up housing costs and threaten energy reliability for local families.

Take Action and urge the Bend City Councilmembers to prioritize energy initiatives and local policies that are data-driven, collaborative and strengthen partnerships within our community rather than dividing. Urge them to oppose the harmful impact fee, which is a tax on new homes.

Housing affordability remains one of the most pressing issues in our community. A strong economy in Bend means workers need to be able to live in the community they serve. Right now, the median price of a home is over $700,000. A family earning the area median income can afford only about $400,000.

Every fee, tax, restriction, mandate, or regulatory barrier makes our housing affordability crisis worse. Electrification demonstrably increases the cost of home construction, and this tax won’t achieve carbon reductions in Bend. Electrification does not equate zero emissions. Natural gas is helping reduce the state’s carbon footprint and renewable natural gas will only aid that effort.

Take action today and tell the Bend City Council to oppose adding more taxes and fees to new homes, and work with industry experts and the community on mitigating carbon emissions while keeping natural gas as an energy option.