Eugene becomes 1st Oregon city to ban gas hookups in new home construction

Portland, Oregon
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Eugene becomes 1st Oregon city to ban gas hookups in new home construction

Jeff S.
Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes

EUGENE Ore. (KPTV) - Eugene has become the first city in Oregon to outlaw gas appliance hookups for new residential construction.

This comes in the midst of ongoing efforts to cut emissions in order to battle climate change, as well as a growing body of study into the health impacts of natural gas, a fossil fuel based on methane.

Last fall the Multnomah County Health Department recommended phasing out gas appliances after publishing a review of the evidence on public health and gas stoves.

On Monday, February 6, the Eugene City Council approved the prohibition during a special meeting.

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Phillip AustinPro Member
Property Manager · Denver, CO · Member since 2023 · 236 posts · 204 votes
3y

LOL

I may be out of my element here but isn't natural gas one of the cleanest energy sources we have?

13Reply
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  • Phillip AustinPro Member
    Property Manager · Denver, CO · Member since 2023 · 236 posts · 204 votes
    3y

    LOL

    I may be out of my element here but isn't natural gas one of the cleanest energy sources we have?

    13Reply
  • Phillip AustinPro Member
    Property Manager · Denver, CO · Member since 2023 · 236 posts · 204 votes
    3y

    Reminder, this is also the state that doesn't allow you to pump your own gas because "it's dangerous."

    9Reply
  • Jeff S.
    OP
    Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Phillip Austin:

    Reminder, this is also the state that doesn't allow you to pump your own gas because "it's dangerous."


     It is the politics that is dangerous! Hard to believe! Yes but we will export natural gas to Europe. Go figure. 

    7Reply
  • Chris John
    Member since 2020 · 671 posts · 937 votes
    3y

    I used to find this kind of stuff annoying, then angering.  Once I realized it was impacting me negatively, I changed my mindset and now I just find it entertaining.  Nothing is too much for me anymore!  haha.

    4Reply
  • Bill B.
    Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    3y

    Sweet, I’ve always heard electricity is the worst possible way to heat your home about time they got rid of it.

    Wait, did you say they’re banning gas, or requiring it?

    I assume they’re expecting a huge boom in propane tank sales?

    3Reply
  • Jeff S.
    OP
    Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Phillip Austin:

    LOL

    I may be out of my element here but isn't natural gas one of the cleanest energy sources we have?

    Yes natural gas is super clean burning. Can't imagine high end cooks using electric elements. It just doesn't seem right.
    1Reply
  • Jeff S.
    OP
    Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Chris John:

    I used to find this kind of stuff annoying, then angering.  Once I realized it was impacting me negatively, I changed my mindset and now I just find it entertaining.  Nothing is too much for me anymore!  haha.

    I know I really like my gas furnaces. So without gas fireplaces we go back to wood. Not into those electric fireplaces. Pellet stoves when the lights go out.
    3Reply
  • Jeff S.
    OP
    Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Bill B.:

    Sweet, I’ve always heard electricity is the worst possible way to heat your home about time they got rid of it.

    Wait, did you say they’re banning gas, or requiring it?

    I assume they’re expecting a huge boom in propane tank sales?


    1Reply
  • Scott SmithPro Member
    Member since 2022 · 21 posts · 6 votes
    3y

    A significant faction of Eugene, Oregon government (and voters) see themselves at the vanguard of any progressive movement.  Frequently to the the disadvantage of the other citizens of Eugene who are too busy going to work or school to have time  to be an activist.  

    Eugene is also in the process of enacting its own city-wide rental home regulations which are not at all friendly to landlords.

    And at the same time, Eugene is in a rental supply shortage.

    3Reply
  • Jeff S.
    OP
    Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Scott Smith:

    A significant faction of Eugene, Oregon government (and voters) see themselves at the vanguard of any progressive movement.  Frequently to the the disadvantage of the other citizens of Eugene who are too busy going to work or school to have time  to be an activist.  

    Eugene is also in the process of enacting its own city-wide rental home regulations which are not at all friendly to landlords.

    And at the same time, Eugene is in a rental supply shortage.

    They all wanna be like the big cities. I had a heat pump with an electric furnace back-up in a condo I once lived in. It wasn't terrible except when cold and that electric furnace kicked in. The blower was weak though and not much made it upstairs. Those electric furnaces are low budget and according to my HVAC guy in mobile homes all over the place. Last forever but expensive for the poor.





    1Reply
  • Christian Dell'Orfano
    New to Real Estate · Nashua, NH · Member since 2023 · 18 posts · 12 votes
    3y
    Truthfully have not learned too much about this but did read about gas stoves getting banned. Personally I live in an apartment that has gas stoves in every unit and I do not see the gas stoves going away any time soon here in the Northeast. I would agree that gas stoves are the way to go especially for professional. Who thinks that the gas stove banning will actually make its way across all of the US? Additionally, would this not put more people out of business and how do you deal with the homes that already have gas stoves in them? Is there going to be some sort of exchange program or something?

    The whole thing seems a little ridiculous if you ask me but I am not a professional by any means.
    2Reply
  • Jeff S.
    OP
    Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Christian Dell'Orfano:
    Truthfully have not learned too much about this but did read about gas stoves getting banned. Personally I live in an apartment that has gas stoves in every unit and I do not see the gas stoves going away any time soon here in the Northeast. I would agree that gas stoves are the way to go especially for professional. Who thinks that the gas stove banning will actually make its way across all of the US? Additionally, would this not put more people out of business and how do you deal with the homes that already have gas stoves in them? Is there going to be some sort of exchange program or something?

    The whole thing seems a little ridiculous if you ask me but I am not a professional by any means.
    I agree totally ridiculous. So far it seems to be a west coast problem but spreading. This is for new construction. Think gas stoves just like gas cars will be around for a while. 
    1Reply
  • Christian Dell'Orfano
    New to Real Estate · Nashua, NH · Member since 2023 · 18 posts · 12 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Jeff S.:
    Quote from @Christian Dell'Orfano:
    Truthfully have not learned too much about this but did read about gas stoves getting banned. Personally I live in an apartment that has gas stoves in every unit and I do not see the gas stoves going away any time soon here in the Northeast. I would agree that gas stoves are the way to go especially for professional. Who thinks that the gas stove banning will actually make its way across all of the US? Additionally, would this not put more people out of business and how do you deal with the homes that already have gas stoves in them? Is there going to be some sort of exchange program or something?

    The whole thing seems a little ridiculous if you ask me but I am not a professional by any means.
    I agree totally ridiculous. So far it seems to be a west coast problem but spreading. This is for new construction. Think gas stoves just like gas cars will be around for a while. 

    I am all for electric cars, I love them. But think about all of the waste and where would it all go if gas cars and gas stoves went out the window one day. There would be nowhere to put them all! You would have to recycle so much metal, which could also be a good thing. But regardless, I do not think these changes will have much of an impact for at least 7-10 years. I think electric cars would be awesome but what about the people that are gear heads, are you gonna shut down all the gas stations just because the gas cars are banned? What is going to happen to all the gas companies?
    2Reply
  • Jeff S.
    OP
    Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Christian Dell'Orfano:
    Quote from @Jeff S.:
    Quote from @Christian Dell'Orfano:
    Truthfully have not learned too much about this but did read about gas stoves getting banned. Personally I live in an apartment that has gas stoves in every unit and I do not see the gas stoves going away any time soon here in the Northeast. I would agree that gas stoves are the way to go especially for professional. Who thinks that the gas stove banning will actually make its way across all of the US? Additionally, would this not put more people out of business and how do you deal with the homes that already have gas stoves in them? Is there going to be some sort of exchange program or something?

    The whole thing seems a little ridiculous if you ask me but I am not a professional by any means.
    I agree totally ridiculous. So far it seems to be a west coast problem but spreading. This is for new construction. Think gas stoves just like gas cars will be around for a while. 

    I am all for electric cars, I love them. But think about all of the waste and where would it all go if gas cars and gas stoves went out the window one day. There would be nowhere to put them all! You would have to recycle so much metal, which could also be a good thing. But regardless, I do not think these changes will have much of an impact for at least 7-10 years. I think electric cars would be awesome but what about the people that are gear heads, are you gonna shut down all the gas stations just because the gas cars are banned? What is going to happen to all the gas companies?
    Ya just kind of have to go with the flow. Don't think Jay Lenno is going all electric any time soon. My 65 GTO will smoke those tires and burn gas with the best of them. But my Prius and our Hybrid RAV 4 don't get much respect from those HEMI Ram trucks. Hey don't get me wrong those electric cars are great and the faster the better. All good in my book.
    1Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    3y

    I bet California is pissed that they didn't get to get the virtue credits first.....! Gavin must be bummed.....

    8Reply
  • Jeff S.
    OP
    Specialist · Portland, OR · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

    I bet California is pissed that they didn't get to get the virtue credits first.....! Gavin must be bummed.....

    https://www.naturalgasintel.co...

    0Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Jeff S.:
    Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:

    I bet California is pissed that they didn't get to get the virtue credits first.....! Gavin must be bummed.....

    https://www.naturalgasintel.co...


     Well they're not far behind are they? On the race to prove who is more stupid I mean....

    2Reply
  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Jeff S.:
    Quote from @Christian Dell'Orfano:
    Quote from @Jeff S.:
    Quote from @Christian Dell'Orfano:
    Truthfully have not learned too much about this but did read about gas stoves getting banned. Personally I live in an apartment that has gas stoves in every unit and I do not see the gas stoves going away any time soon here in the Northeast. I would agree that gas stoves are the way to go especially for professional. Who thinks that the gas stove banning will actually make its way across all of the US? Additionally, would this not put more people out of business and how do you deal with the homes that already have gas stoves in them? Is there going to be some sort of exchange program or something?

    The whole thing seems a little ridiculous if you ask me but I am not a professional by any means.
    I agree totally ridiculous. So far it seems to be a west coast problem but spreading. This is for new construction. Think gas stoves just like gas cars will be around for a while. 

    I am all for electric cars, I love them. But think about all of the waste and where would it all go if gas cars and gas stoves went out the window one day. There would be nowhere to put them all! You would have to recycle so much metal, which could also be a good thing. But regardless, I do not think these changes will have much of an impact for at least 7-10 years. I think electric cars would be awesome but what about the people that are gear heads, are you gonna shut down all the gas stations just because the gas cars are banned? What is going to happen to all the gas companies?
    Ya just kind of have to go with the flow. Don't think Jay Lenno is going all electric any time soon. My 65 GTO will smoke those tires and burn gas with the best of them. But my Prius and our Hybrid RAV 4 don't get much respect from those HEMI Ram trucks. Hey don't get me wrong those electric cars are great and the faster the better. All good in my book.

    yes in Canby Oregon I just had to put in Gas lines AT MY expense to 90 lots that i just built to the tune of about 250k.  so they ban gas and the lines were a waste of time and money.. ?  
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    5Reply
  • Ryan KellyBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    @Jeff S. In Texas, we supply and refine natural gas for most of America. If Oregon doesn’t want it, more for us!

    [email protected]512-674-5478
    Ryan Kelly Group - Keller Williams5112 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    3Reply
  • Marcus Auerbach
    Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    We are 100% electric in all units for over a decade. A smooth glass cook top is just much easier to clean and open flames are always a concern. As an agent I am well aware about the gas preference, but when you ask most people refer to the old electric coil stoves, which were indeed terrible.

    I have a 36" high end electric cooktop in my kitchen and would not trade for a gas burner! The cleaning alone..

    3Reply
  • Christian Dell'Orfano
    New to Real Estate · Nashua, NH · Member since 2023 · 18 posts · 12 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
    Quote from @Jeff S.:
    Quote from @Christian Dell'Orfano:
    Quote from @Jeff S.:
    Quote from @Christian Dell'Orfano:
    Truthfully have not learned too much about this but did read about gas stoves getting banned. Personally I live in an apartment that has gas stoves in every unit and I do not see the gas stoves going away any time soon here in the Northeast. I would agree that gas stoves are the way to go especially for professional. Who thinks that the gas stove banning will actually make its way across all of the US? Additionally, would this not put more people out of business and how do you deal with the homes that already have gas stoves in them? Is there going to be some sort of exchange program or something?

    The whole thing seems a little ridiculous if you ask me but I am not a professional by any means.
    I agree totally ridiculous. So far it seems to be a west coast problem but spreading. This is for new construction. Think gas stoves just like gas cars will be around for a while. 

    I am all for electric cars, I love them. But think about all of the waste and where would it all go if gas cars and gas stoves went out the window one day. There would be nowhere to put them all! You would have to recycle so much metal, which could also be a good thing. But regardless, I do not think these changes will have much of an impact for at least 7-10 years. I think electric cars would be awesome but what about the people that are gear heads, are you gonna shut down all the gas stations just because the gas cars are banned? What is going to happen to all the gas companies?
    Ya just kind of have to go with the flow. Don't think Jay Lenno is going all electric any time soon. My 65 GTO will smoke those tires and burn gas with the best of them. But my Prius and our Hybrid RAV 4 don't get much respect from those HEMI Ram trucks. Hey don't get me wrong those electric cars are great and the faster the better. All good in my book.

    yes in Canby Oregon I just had to put in Gas lines AT MY expense to 90 lots that i just built to the tune of about 250k.  so they ban gas and the lines were a waste of time and money.. ?  
    That is insane! They definitely need to figure out some way to give a rebate or something for people like you who came out of pocket to run gas lines that can never be used!!
    Also, good luck on your new builds! If you need any kitchen or bath cabinets let me know! ;)
    1Reply
  • Christian Dell'Orfano
    New to Real Estate · Nashua, NH · Member since 2023 · 18 posts · 12 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:

    We are 100% electric in all units for over a decade. A smooth glass cook top is just much easier to clean and open flames are always a concern. As an agent I am well aware about the gas preference, but when you ask most people refer to the old electric coil stoves, which were indeed terrible.

    I have a 36" high end electric cooktop in my kitchen and would not trade for a gas burner! The cleaning alone..

    I do think the cleaning aspect of electric stoves is a huge plus and having 100% electric already is also a plus. You don’t need to worry about the gas lines you wont get to use or any of the headaches that may come from having gas stoves in units already.
    But, the one thing I have noticed from having a gas stove in my unit is that if the power ever goes out, I can still cook on my stove. I'm sure that is not a big concern in most areas because how often does that happen. It is a nice thought though.
    1Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Christian Dell'Orfano:
    If there is ever a grid-down event (of any type) people that have gas, especially propane, will be looking good.
    5Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    3y

    Very short sighted.  As others pointed out natural gas is cleaner than a lot of alternatives.  All have disadvantages. For electric, you flood large areas and dam rivers negatively impacting the rivers.  In OR, you'd think they'd be aware of that with the salmon runs that have been declining.

    2Reply
  • Mike S.
    Investor · Colonial Heights, VA · Member since 2014 · 115 posts · 68 votes
    3y

    @Chris John I agree. All this bs is strictly for entertainment.

    4Reply
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