Bend Seeks to Balance Climate, Housing Goals, but Won't Restrict Natural Gas for Now
The Bend City Council is grappling with the challenge of balancing climate goals with urgent housing production needs, choosing not to impose immediate restrictions on natural gas use in new construction. While the council shows support for educational initiatives, it is cautious about implementing regulations due to concerns over legal challenges and potential impacts on housing supply. The city needs to produce over 30,000 housing units in the next 20 years, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Nearly 30% of Bend's greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to residential sources, and the Environment and Climate Committee is advocating for measures to curb these emissions. The committee recommends exploring regulations on natural gas piping for new constructions and setting emissions standards for appliances, yet the council is wary of the legal precedents set by other cities facing similar challenges.
In past instances, cities like Berkeley and Eugene have encountered significant legal pushback when attempting to limit natural gas use. Thus, the Bend council emphasizes the importance of educational resources and technical assistance for builders instead of immediate regulatory actions. The tension between environmental advocacy and housing accessibility continues to shape the city's policy discussions.