With Community Support, Bend City Council Passes the First Reading of Climate Pollution Fee

Bend City Council voted 5-1 in support of adopting a Climate Pollution Fee Policy to reduce fossil fuel emissions and save residents money

Contact: Brennan Breen, brennan@energizebend.org, 303-618-7760

Date: June 3, 2026

BEND, Ore. - Multiple Bend residents testified before City Council last night, urging them to adopt the Climate Pollution Fee, which will drive more all-electric new residential construction and curb the greenhouse gas emissions that account for nearly half of the city's carbon footprint. After years of policy development, Bend City Council voted 5-1 in favor of passing the Climate Pollution Fee.

The Climate Pollution Fee would apply to gas appliances in new residential construction, and revenue generated would fund an equity-focused program to improve energy efficiency and affordability for Bend households. The fee would not apply to current homeowners who use natural gas, and new homes built without fossil fuels also would not be affected.

This policy comes at a critical time. Oregon’s Housing Needs Assessment finds that Bend will need to build 33,000 new dwellings over the next 20 years.

“From a utility planning perspective, this makes sense,” commented Bend resident, Joe Henry, who worked for over 35 years in utility resource planning. “This program will help electric and gas utilities better anticipate future infrastructure needs and make smart long term investments.”

Supporters say the benefits go beyond emissions reduction. Studies show that high-efficiency electric appliances will save residents money — both now and over the long-term.

“My home was built in 2016 using solar panels to support our energy needs, and it achieved Net Zero Certification,” said Bend resident Joe Craig. “By building with Net Zero construction techniques, my home has appreciated more than traditionally constructed homes.”

Residents also noted the health benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“In the short and long term, electrification benefits the inhabitants of electrified dwellings by decreasing overall costs compared to gas… and decreasing asthma and other illnesses from gas pollution,” said Bend resident Marilyn Koenitzer. “It also helps fight climate change.”

"The list of hazards posed by combustion of natural gas is long—ranging from health dangers to wildfire risk to climate change," said Ken Wilkins, a board member of 350Deschutes, who lauded the push to electrify new construction. "City Council is on the cusp of a bold decision that will have a significant positive effect on the quality of life of buyers of new homes."

“I love how this fee incentivizes innovation” commented another community member, Nate Springer.  ““As a homeowner I wish this fee existed when I bought a home, because then I could have chosen [all electric]… instead I have higher energy costs, I have a higher impact on the climate.”

Bend City Council will take its final vote on the policy on Wednesday, June 17. If adopted, the fee would take effect starting April 1, 2027.