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Ashland Council to consider youth-led climate policy

Members of the Ashland Youth for Electrification campaign pose on the Ashland Plaza on March 10, 2023.
Rogue Climate
Members of the Ashland Youth for Electrification campaign pose on the Ashland Plaza on March 10, 2023.

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.

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Mike Green is host of the Jefferson Exchange. Mike has lived in Southern Oregon for more than two decades. He is an award-winning journalist with over 20 years experience in media, specializing in media innovation, inclusive economics and entrepreneurship.
Natalie Golay is the Senior Producer of the Jefferson Exchange. She has a B.A. in Visual Arts, a multimedia certificate from the Vancouver Film school, and a law degree from the University of British Columbia. A communications professional for over 20 years, Natalie is a natural storyteller with extensive audio and video production skills.