Eugene Leads the Way in Oregon with Ban on Natural Gas Appliances in New Homes

On Monday, Eugene became the first city in the state to ban the use of natural gas appliances in new homes. The ban is part of the city's efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. 

Nearly 100 cities, counties, towns and even several states across the U.S. have adopted similar prohibitions.

Newly built single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, quadruplexes, cottage clusters, and any residential structure of three stories or less in Eugene will now be required to use electric appliances for heating, hot water, and cooking. The ordinance applies to building permit applications submitted on or after June 30th. It does not apply to existing homes, which can use tax credits and rebates available this year through the Inflation Reduction Act to switch from gas to electric.

The move is expected to reduce emissions from new homes by 60%. The ban has received support from environmental groups and homeowners, but some have expressed concerns about the cost implications of the switch to electric appliances.

A Fall 2022 open letter to the Eugene community signed by the UA Local Union 290, Western Oregon Builders Association, and NW Natural quotes a 2021 report from Home Innovation Research Labs that estimates additional costs of all-electric new construction could add up to $11,800 per home, depending on climate zone. 

"Eliminating natural gas in new construction could drive up housing costs and negatively impact an already critical lack of housing inventory — disproportionately affecting Eugene’s low-income residents," the letter reads. 

Other concerns regarding the program included the resiliency of the electric grid and the potential negative impact the change would have on the economy. "Block new natural gas hookups and some businesses will simply decide not to start or grow here," the letter predicts. 

In future months, the Eugene council plans to consider separate ordinances to ban fossil fuels in new commercial and industrial buildings, as well.

Read more at OregonLive.com