NW Natural is an obstacle to Oregon’s clean energy future.
“But even as [Oregon] moves away from fossil fuels, its largest gas utility keeps sinking money into expanding its system of “natural” gas pipelines, and passing the extra costs on to Oregon families through higher energy bills. Simply put, NW Natural’s business model is incompatible with Oregon’s clean energy future.” — Gas Leaks
Milwaukie becomes second-largest Oregon city to ban natural gas in new construction
[Councilmember] Khosroabadi voted to move forward immediately because it made the most fiscal sense. “If we don't do it now and we build a bunch of houses, and we put a bunch of gas infrastructure in, in 10 years we have to rip it out. Do we want to do it now or do you want to do it in 10 years when it's going to cost a lot more money?”
Environmental advocates tell Corvallis to stop the gas
“A renewal [of the city’s franchise agreement with NW Natural] would allow NW Natural to expand gas infrastructure in Corvallis at a time when experts call for a rapid transition from the climate-wrecking methane infrastructure to efficient clean electric infrastructure.” — Sierra Club
Atmospheric levels of methane, CO2, and nitrous oxide hit record high
Methane levels have risen rapidly in recent years, puzzling scientists. While fracking may be one source of this increase, the current scientific evidence supports a theory that this methane rise could be caused by activities of microbes in wetlands, rice paddies and the guts of ruminants. Rising temperatures have caused the ideal conditions for microbial methane production, as they enjoy warm, damp areas.
Drought threatens coal plant operations — and electricity — across the West
Pacific Power derives some of its coal-powered electricity from the coal-fired Jim Bridger electric power plant. This plant is an enormous emitter of carbon dioxide pollution.
A decades-long drought and a shortage of water downstream across the Southwest, future conservation in the basin could mean industrial users like Jim Bridger see their water shut off, says Wyoming State Engineer Brandon Gebhart.