FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 22, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ali Hameed, ali.hameed@sunstonestrategies.org, 201.285.9649

TALENT, OR — As extreme weather, including scorching heat waves, threatens large parts of Oregon, Talent’s City Council voted yesterday to pass Resolution 2024-097-R, which encourages upgrades of homes and nonresidential buildings so they have modern, highly efficient appliances. Improving homes by installing these state-of-the-art appliances lowers energy bills, boosts access to cooling, and cuts planet-warming pollution.

In addition to promoting use of low- or zero-emission equipment in buildings, the resolution also calls for measures that will mitigate the health impacts of pollution in Talent’s residential and non-residential buildings as well as consumer education and engagement campaigns.

“I’m proud of the important vote the city council took yesterday,” said Mayor Darby Ayers-Flood. “Expanding access  to efficient, zero-emission technologies in homes will provide economic benefits to households as well as environmental and climate benefits for all of Talent. We will continue to work with advocates and policymakers to enhance climate and electric grid resiliency so that Talent residents can enjoy a future free from the devastating impacts of climate change.”

Passing the resolution will also help the State of Oregon fulfill its pledge of ensuring that zero-emission electric heat pumps constitute at least 65% of residential-scale heating, air conditioning, and water heating equipment shipments by 2030 and 90% by 2040. The passage of the resolution, on the heels of a measure advanced by Ashland City Council officials earlier this summer, illustrates the growing momentum in the state behind upgrading buildings to clean energy and efficient electric technologies.

Installing heat pumps will dramatically slash Talent’s contribution to climate change by cutting pollution from buildings, which adds up to 34% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Analysis shows that compared to methane-gas-fueled furnaces and water heaters, heat pumps are two to four times more efficient and lower emissions by 84% over their useful lifetime.

“The City of Talent has set ambitious climate targets that would not have been achieved unless we took decisive action to upgrade our buildings with equipment that will save our city’s residents money,” said City Council President Ana Byers. “I’m proud to see that step taken with yesterday’s vote. This resolution sets the stage for climate-resilient homes that are energy efficient, something that is crucial in response to the devastating effects of climate change. At the same time, zero-emission equipment will lower monthly energy costs for Talent residents. On all fronts, this resolution is a good step for our city—but it’s not the only step we can take. I urge our community to continue the other actions we can take as a community to support climate and economic resiliency: restoring our urban forest canopy, committing to infrastructure that makes our city walkable, advocating for the use and improvement of availability of mass transit, replacing asphalt/cement with permeable landscape wherever possible, etc.”

With extreme temperatures impacting the Pacific Northwest more frequently, upgrading homes with low- or zero-emission equipment, such as highly efficient heat pumps is a necessity. Heat pumps not only provide heating in the winter, but also offer lifesaving cooling at superior efficiency compared to traditional air conditioning systems, lowering energy costs for households. A recent study by the Oregon Department of Energy showed that nearly 60% of the state’s households surveyed had an immediate or long-term need for better cooling equipment.

As opposed to fossil fuel appliances, which emit dangerous nitrogen oxides that can exacerbate respiratory illnesses and lead to costly emergency room visits, heat pumps have been shown to improve air quality and dramatically slash climate pollution. Heat pumps also provide air filtration benefits that can improve air quality in homes, which is especially important in wildfire season, during which dirty air can linger for weeks on end.

“With yesterday’s vote, Talent joins communities across Oregon in paving the way towards a healthier and more livable future,” said Rogue Climate Organizing Director, Jess Grady-Benson. “Fossil fuel appliances emit health-harming pollutants and contribute to climate pollution, which disproportionately impacts low income, rural and communities of color. By promoting a transition towards cleaner, more sustainable ways to heat and cool homes, Talent is taking an important step in enhancing climate resilience for homes, addressing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing environmental justice for Talent residents. We’re excited to see this resolution passed, thanks to the hard work of community members and City Council.”

The resolution passed unanimously, reflecting broad support from city officials.

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