Tina Kotek won her gubernatorial election in November 2022, becoming the Democratic governor of Oregon. During her campaign, she advocated for a more environmentally friendly future, including increasing wind, solar, and other renewable energy projects, reducing air pollution, prohibiting offshore drilling, and eliminating the use of methane gas and other fossil fuels in homes and commercial buildings. Nevertheless, it appears that the governor is not following through on her own ideas.
The Epoch Times reported on February 28 that Kotek was having a propane and natural gas backup generator placed in Mahonia Hall, the state governor’s official residence. According to the news source, the project was providing backup facilities to the entire building in case “normal utility power” went out. Although there is no existing or ongoing legislation in Oregon prohibiting the use of natural gas, certain counties within the state have taken action against fossil fuels.
After campaigning on a promise to “transition away from the use of fossil fuels,” #Oregon’s Democrat Gov. @TinaKotek is having a dual #NaturalGas and #Propane backup generator installed at Mahonia Hall, the official governor's residence. https://t.co/r1dsNh7eN7
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) March 1, 2023
OPB News reported earlier this month that Eugene was the first region in Oregon to prohibit gas appliance hookups in new home construction. The city justified the move by citing potential negative health effects and climate change. In November 2022, the Multnomah County Health Department advised residents to avoid using gas stoves and similar appliances. According to the organization, half of all families in the county use gas for heating, but it is unclear how many use gas stoves. According to the health department’s research, at least 77 localities in ten states were considering similar gas phase-out plans.
According to The Epoch Times, DHM Research found that the majority of Eugene residents polled reject the prohibition. Yet, it appears that some communities are pressing forward with the move. Natural gas, according to David Farrer, an Oregon Health Authority toxicologist, is “cleaner than most other fossil fuels,” but it has “still emissions.”
The governor’s office has yet to issue an official statement regarding the new generator installation.
