After nearly two years, efforts led by the Ashland Youth for Electrification campaign to pressure the City of Ashland to reduce its fossil fuel use are nearing victory.
The City Council voted in favor of a proposal introduced by the Ashland Youth for Electrification during its first review in January of language around a "Pollution Fee" ordinance.
The proposed ordinance is expected to incentivize developers of new residential dwellings to build with safe, efficient electric appliances by charging developers a "pollution fee" on gas appliances installed in new homes. The ordinance would work towards improving indoor air quality, increasing energy affordability, and meeting Ashland’s climate goals, according to the youth activists.
A second reading and potentially the final vote for the ordinance will take place on Tuesday, February 4th.
Jess Grady-Benson is the Organizing Director at Rogue Climate and joins the Exchange to discuss. Also joining the conversation is Kiera Retiz, an Ashland High School senior and member of the Ashland Youth for Electrification campaign.