Bend Takes New Step to Cut Emissions from Future Homes

Bend, Oregon just took a bold step toward cleaner air, approving a climate pollution fee on natural gas appliances installed in new homes starting this year.

The City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to charge fees on gas furnaces, water heaters, stoves, dryers and fireplaces in new construction only. A typical mid-sized home with all gas appliances would pay about $2,100, with most of that cost coming from furnaces.

The fees won't affect existing homes or anyone replacing old appliances. Every dollar collected goes into a dedicated fund supporting future electrification and emissions reduction projects across the city.

Councilor Mike Riley says the timing matters because today's building choices stick around for decades. "The decisions that are made today about the fuel choices in these homes are with us for the next 15, 20, 25 or even more years," he explained Wednesday.

The logic is simple: Oregon's electric grid keeps getting cleaner as renewable energy expands, but natural gas will always be carbon-based. Riley points out there's no credible way to decarbonize fossil fuels, making electricity the smartest long-term bet.

Councilor Ariel Mendez sees even brighter days ahead. He pointed to Mazama Energy's proposal to develop geothermal power that could generate enough clean electricity for all of Central Oregon within five years. "There are technical and regulatory hurdles, but it's very promising," Mendez said.

The Ripple Effect

This policy does more than reduce emissions from individual homes. It creates momentum for larger infrastructure improvements that could benefit everyone in Bend.

The dedicated fund will help accelerate electrification projects and make cleaner energy more accessible across income levels. As geothermal and other renewable projects come online, the entire community could see lower energy costs alongside cleaner air.

The policy also sends market signals to builders and developers that Bend is committed to its climate goals. That could spark innovation in affordable electric home systems and grid improvements that outlast any single political cycle.

Not everyone celebrated the decision. Councilor Megan Perkins voted against the measure, worried about adding costs to an already expensive housing market and questioning whether the electric grid can handle increased demand reliably.

But supporters believe Bend is making the right long-term investment in both climate and community health. Riley says addressing building emissions now positions the city to meet its climate commitments while cleaner electricity sources continue expanding.

The ordinance takes effect for new construction permits issued after the policy's start date, giving builders time to plan and homebuyers clarity on what to expect.

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