Ashland City Council Approves Pollution Fee to Cut Down on New Natural Gas Hookups
Proponents of using electricity instead of natural gas in Oregon have just scored a new victory. The Oregonian reports the Ashland City Council this week voted unanimously to charge developers a carbon pollution fee for installing natural gas heating systems in new residential buildings. Youth advocates who championed the measure and city officials said it's an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor air quality in the city and change how homes are built in Ashland. The ordinance – modeled on a similar one in Burlington, Vermont – is aimed at reducing the use of natural gas hookups and appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, stoves, clothes dryers and fireplaces, though the fee also would apply to energy systems that rely on coal, oil, propane or kerosene. Ashland's ordinance is the first in Oregon since Eugene passed a measure two years ago that would have prohibited natural gas hookups in many new homes. Eugene later rescinded its measure after a federal appeals court ruling rejected a similar gas ban in Berkeley, California. Since then, several cities in Oregon that have adopted climate action plans have been looking to ban natural gas and provide incentives to use electricity in new construction, despite opposition from Oregon's natural gas industry and the federal lawsuit filed in California. The Ashland ordinance goes into effect January 1, 2026. ...Read more

Renovation Effort Completed on Josephine County Fairgrounds Pavilion Building
Visitors to the Evergreen Federal Pavilion at the Josephine County Fairgrounds will be greeted by new flooring, upgraded lighting and upgraded restrooms -- the results of a recently completed renovation project. Portions of the multi-year renovation effort were funded by the Oregon State Lottery and administered by the Oregon Business Development Department. The interior paint was donated by the Grants Pass Rodda Paint Company. The renovation effort was originally kicked off with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act with upgrades to the restrooms including touchless facilities. The Pavilion is over 14,000 square feet and it features a kitchenette and a commercial kitchen that is used year-round by the community for a variety of events including weddings, concerts, vendor sales, banquets and fundraisers. The building was rented out 52 times in 2024. Josephine County Recreation Director Tamra Martin said "it's our community partnerships that keep us strong." You can learn more about renting Fairgrounds facilities in Grants Pass by visiting "josephinecountyfairgrounds.com" or by calling the Fairgrounds Office at (541)-476-3215. ...Read more

AllCare Health Announces "Build That Rental" Informational Event Series in GP
AllCare Health has announced a series of informational events aimed at encouraging the development of rental properties in the Grants Pass area. In response to the current low supply of housing and high rents charged in Grants Pass, AllCare Health -- in collaboration with the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce, Mid Rogue Foundation, Grants Pass Housing Advisory Committee, Common Connections and Rogue Gateway Rotary -- are hosting "Build That Rental." These events are designed for small developers, builders, property owners and individuals who are interested in learning more about rental properties. "The Build That Rental" events start next Tuesday with information on a new land use code and how to take advantage of it. Future events are planned for April 14th, June 3rd, July 15th, August 26th, October 7th and November 11th. All events will be held at 6 p.m. at Wild River Pub, 533 NE F Street. Pizza and drinks will be provided. For more information, please contact Doug Walker at (541)-660-2178. ...Read more