Youth from the Ashland Youth for Electrification Campaign request your support in submitting comments to the City of Ashland to help pass the Climate and Clean Air Ordinance, aimed at reducing fossil fuel pollution in new homes in Ashland.
According to the Campaign website, “the Climate & Clean Air Ordinance will improve air quality, support youth climate action, and increase energy efficiency and affordability in our communities.”
The group has created an easy way to submit your comments here: bit.ly/climatecleanair
The group has thought through the benefits of such an ordinance, including:
- Health: Gas powered appliances release toxic pollutants like NOx and Benzene, which cause asthma, blood cancers, heart disease, and more – especially in youth. Electric appliances improve home health and safety.
- Affordability: Building with 100% efficient electric appliances is cheaper – for developers and saves residents money on utility bills. Meanwhile, Ashland’s gas utility Avista has raised its rates over 51% in the past 3 years.
- Climate: Ashland committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Climate and Energy Action Plan in 2017. Even while climate change is impacting the Rogue Valley more each year, Ashland is behind on meeting these goals. Transitioning new homes off of fossil fuel-based appliances would reduce climate emissions.
