PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
CONTACTO: Masayo Simon, 541-852-2883, masayo@RogueClimate.org

Ashland Council unanimously votes to pass first reading of youth-led climate policy

Pollution Fee ordinance moves on to final vote Feb. 4, 2025

[ASHLAND, OR.] After nearly two years of pressure from the Ashland Youth for Electrification campaign and their community supporters, the Ashland City Council voted unanimously to move forward with the second reading and final vote for a climate policy to reduce fossil fuel emissions in newly constructed homes. On Tuesday, January 21, the council held the first reading to discuss the Pollution Fee ordinance, a policy aimed to incentivize developers to build new homes with efficient, electric appliances. The final vote for the ordinance will be held on February 4th. 

During the reading, dozens of youth leaders and community supporters gave testimony sharing why a city-level shift to limit residential emissions is essential during this time.

“I’ve been fighting for Ashland to act on its climate commitments since I was a Sophomore. Now I’m a Senior and it’s finally close to happening,” Said Piper Banks, Ashland High School student and youth organizer with Ashland Youth for Electrification. “I’ve spent a lot of my free time lobbying city councilors, giving testimony, and organizing other community members, because I’ve grown up with climate catastrophes becoming more ‘normal’. It shouldn’t be my job to protect my future, but I’m proud of myself and my peers for taking matters into our own hands – and relieved that city councilors are finally listening to us.”

“I am proud of Ashland communities for working so hard over the last two years to get us to this moment. So many people have been involved in the process,” said Maroun Aguero, Rogue Valley Organizer for Rogue Climate. “For youth to continue showing out with their busy schedules is inspiring. Young people care so much for the Rogue Valley and its future generations. I’m excited that the council is finally listening to their calls to keep residents safe, make energy more affordable, and help our community withstand the climate crisis. This is one step of many to make sure everyone is taken care of during these times.”

The goal of the Pollution Fee is to ensure that the majority of new homes in Ashland are built with the health of residents and the climate in mind. It will work to improve indoor air quality by removing health risks caused by gas appliances in the home, while contributing to Ashland’s climate goal of reducing emissions. Also, electric appliances like heat pumps and water heaters are three to four times more efficient than gas ones, meaning residents will save on costs for heating and cooling their homes.

“Being so close to a decision on a building electrification policy is big news, not only for Ashland, but for other cities across Oregon who are working to take similar action to reduce climate pollution  and improve community health,” said Jess Grady-Benson, Organizing Director at Rogue Climate. “Climate advocates in Oregon will be watching Ashland City Council’s final vote closely on February 4th. This would be a huge win, but also just a first step–there is so much more that needs to be done to truly meet this crisis, and our communities will keep fighting for climate justice.”

If the ordinance is passed, those who choose to install gas appliances in newly constructed homes will be charged an up front fee based on the social cost of carbon for the lifecycle of each appliance and its carbon emissions. The fee would not impact existing homes. This will be the first policy of its kind in Oregon.

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About Rogue Climate Action Team: Rogue Climate Action Team (RCAT) is a youth-led team focused on making change within their communities by organizing campaigns for climate justice in the Rogue Valley. They are currently working on the Ashland Youth for Electrification campaign to pass the Pollution Fee ordinance in Ashland, Oregon.

About Rogue Climate: Rogue Climate is a Southern Oregon based community organization that organizes for climate justice through stopping new fossil fuels, facilitating youth leadership development, and campaigning for a just transition to clean energy and energy efficiency.