Help Us Move the Climate Impact Fee Forward
The news that the EPA’s Endangerment Finding has been repealed is detrimental for the planet, economy, and human health. The EPA’s Endangerment Finding was the scientific foundation that allowed the federal government to regulate greenhouse gas pollution. This repeal is a stark reminder: we cannot rely on federal action alone to protect our communities from climate change.
When national protections are weakened, local leadership matters even more.
Here in Bend, we have an opportunity to take meaningful, practical climate action through the Climate Impact Fee, a policy being advanced by Energize Bend, and The Environmental Center, and a coalition of community partners. This policy focuses on NEW residential construction, encouraging efficient, all-electric buildings from the start and avoiding decades of fossil-fuel dependence that drive climate pollution and higher energy costs.
Why does this matter right now?
Because climate change isn’t abstract for Central Oregon. We’re already experiencing hotter summers, wildfire smoke, drought stress, low snow pack, whichthat undermine jobs in tourism, recreation, and all the things we love about the High Desert.
Local policies like the Climate Impact Fee help us:
Reduce future emissions at the source
Protect residents from volatile fossil fuel prices
Build healthier, safer homes
Keep Bend moving toward its community climate goals — regardless of federal uncertainty
Federal rollbacks don’t change science. They just shift responsibility closer to home.
Bend City Council is hosting public comment this Wednesday, 2/18 from 6–7pm.
At the last meeting, Council proposed moving forward with a fee set at just 20% of the true social cost of carbon. Let’s be clear: that is not climate leadership. It’s a symbolic gesture. A strong fee would actually shift the market and discourage new natural gas infrastructure. A watered-down fee will do little to change behavior and will pave the way for avoidable, expensive and polluting fossil fuel infrastructure.
Last week, industry representatives from Portland and Eugene showed up to argue for more natural gas in Bend. They don’t live here. They won’t bear the long-term impacts of our air quality, wildfire smoke, or rising energy costs. Many are tied to gas industry interests and are actively working to undermine climate action.
If we are serious about climate action, we need policy that matches the scale of the crisis, not performative half-measures.
If you are free on 2/18, join us! Wear blue and enjoy the show! You don’t need to make a public comment;, simply being in the room wearing blue shows where you stand. Energize Bend and The Environmental Center reps will be making comments. If you feel inspired, please join!
