It's time for a Fossil Free Multnomah County!

We all deserve healthy lungs, clean air & a future powered by safe, renewable energy. 

We already knew that methane from fracked gas is fueling the climate crisis. Now we know that burning methane gas in our homes creates dangerous conditions and puts our health at risk. Methane from our stoves, heaters, and fireplaces creates air pollution levels that would be illegal outdoors, because it can cause conditions like asthma and heart failure. We need our political leaders to stand up for the climate and our health by making a just transition away from fracked gas and methane.

When a new building is constructed today and powered by methane and fracked gas, that means it's locked into fossil fuels for decades to come. Dozens of cities, including New York, Seattle, Denver, and San Francisco, have already said no to methane in new buildings. In Oregon, Eugene and Lane County are exploring new laws to regulate gas. It's time for Multnomah County to do the same. 

Dear Multnomah County Commissioners and the Office of Sustainability,

I am concerned about the dangers of methane gas in the buildings in our community. Burning methane gas in our homes creates dangerous conditions and puts our health at risk. Methane from our stoves, heaters, and fireplaces creates air pollution levels that would be illegal outdoors, because it can cause conditions like asthma and heart failure. With electrification comes the opportunity to create a just transition to homes and buildings that are safer, healthier, and more resilient, and powered by renewable energy—instead of buildings that lock us into using fossil fuels for decades to come. Dozens of cities, including New York, Seattle, Denver, and San Francisco, have already said no to methane in new buildings. In Oregon, Eugene and Lane County are exploring new laws to regulate gas. It's time for Multnomah County to do the same.

Electrification can bring social, economic, and environmental benefits to Multnomah County residents, including: improved air quality; reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions; buildings that are more comfortable and energy efficient, with lower energy costs; jobs in HVAC, electrical work, and construction; better health and safety; and a pathway to meeting the county’s climate goals.

I urge you to begin the steps of phasing out of methane gas from all new construction of residential and commercial buildings in Multnomah County, and of justly phasing out of gas appliances in existing buildings.

Thank you,

[Your name]