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An Oregon City Banned Natural Gas. The Gas Company Fought Back

Eugene’s ordinance restricting gas hookups in new construction was set to be the state’s first — until a local utility and its allies launched a $1 million counterattack. 

Local restrictions on gas hookups in new housing have drawn a counterattack funded by the natural gas industry. 

Local restrictions on gas hookups in new housing have drawn a counterattack funded by the natural gas industry. 

Photographer: Géza Bálint Ujvárosi/EyeEm via Getty Images

By
Patrick Sisson

In February, when the city council in Eugene, Oregon, passed an ordinance banning natural gas hookups in new low-rise construction, local environmental groups cheered. This was a chance for the college town to take a step toward reducing carbon emissions, help support the state’s climate action plan and make history as the first city in Oregon to pass such a law.

Mayor Lucy Vinis pushed for legislators to support the ordinance, which prevailed in a 5-3 vote. “There will be some joy in the community tonight,” she said.