| Docket Number | Docket Name | Company |
|---|---|---|
| LC 83 | CASCADE 2023 INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN (IRP) | CASCADE NATURAL GAS |
| Created Date | Comment Type | First Name | Last Name | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/13/2024 12:31:25 AM | General Comment | Kristi Collins Oregon Public Utility Commission 971-218-1189 Kristi.collins@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:Kristi.collins@puc.oregon.gov> From: Jessi Presley-Grusin <jessipresleygrusin@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, March 7, 2024 1:17 PM To: PUC puc.publicmeetings * PUC <puc.publicmeetings@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: Cascade 2023 IRP jessipresleygrusin@gmail.com<mailto:jessipresleygrusin@gmail.com>. Please reject Cascade's 2023 IRP. It is not a wise investment. We do not want fracking or more investments in it or in the natural gas it produces. Natural gas is already being phased out and so investing in its infrastructure doesn't make sense and will only pass on higher rates to rate payers to make up for the loss. For these reasons as well as the negative ramifications natural gas poses for global climate change, I urge you to reject Cascade's 2023 IRP. Thank you for your time, Jessi Presley-Grusin Oregon resident | ||
| 3/19/2024 12:32:57 AM | General Comment | Ellie Knoll (She/Her) Oregon Public Utility Commission 201 High Street SE • Salem, OR 97301 • 503-580-8638 • ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov> logo_color From: Anne-Marie Eklund <eklund@cascadesacademy.org> Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 1:13 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: Cascade Natural Gas plan eklund@cascadesacademy.org<mailto:eklund@cascadesacademy.org>. To the Oregon Public Utility Commission: I am testifying to urge you to decline Cascade Natural Gas’ Integrated Resources Plan, because their claims are misleading and unrealistic. Please eliminate Line Extension Allowances to ensure that ratepayers are not on the hook for subsidizing the expansion of the gas system. Oregon has clear goals to increase electrification. if you allow this expansion, it would counteract Oregon's goals of electrification. In fact, the Commission staff have given Cascade clear direction to evaluate the role of building electrification as a resource for meeting its decarbonization obligations at the lowest cost and lowest risk for customers. However, Cascade’s IRP is still promoting risky and expensive gas infrastructure investments. The Commission should reject Cascade’s weak excuses to avoid investing in electrification and direct it to seriously evaluate and pursue this resource. I am particularly concerned about Cascade’s investment in new gas from the controversial GTN Xpress project. This project has an uncertain future and any investment in that project is economically risky. Given trends in federal, state and local policies that support more electrification and more deployment of heat pumps, I urge the Commission to reject Cascade's IRP. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Anne-Marie Eklund Anne-Marie Eklund, Ph.D. Middle School Science and Health Teacher Pronouns: She/Her/Hers https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/HUEEQJBzj9CsnGIv-yxR60tu7jAZEldHNwCpKkO9RSMzrXj8H5l_oXxGw23E4YFZdCWkFVUkm6YxYEVZniEHIVs8G4x0WgTms45zNr1jyWYKkWqXvp0vhkLBURyBVy0mzckVHsJuzB8x77b-7Rz3O1g 19860 Tumalo Reservoir Road | Bend, OR | 97703 541.382.0699 | cascadesacademy.org ________________________________________________ Our mission is to deliver meaningful, challenging and experiential education to inspire lifelong learners who are socially responsible individuals ready for a diverse and changing world. | ||
| 3/19/2024 12:33:00 AM | General Comment | Ellie Knoll (She/Her) Oregon Public Utility Commission 201 High Street SE • Salem, OR 97301 • 503-580-8638 • ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:ellie.knoll@puc.oregon.gov> logo_color From: Rowen Lucas <rowenleelucas@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2024 11:03 AM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: Cascade Natural Gas IRP Comments (LC 83) rowenleelucas@gmail.com<mailto:rowenleelucas@gmail.com>. Chair Decker and Commissioner Tawney, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Rowen Lucas and I am a member of the Deschutes Youth Climate Coalition based in Bend Oregon. We have been working with many organizations to address concerns regarding the GTN Xpress expansion project amongst other projects regarding electrification. I am testifying today to request that the Commission decline to acknowledge Cascade Natural Gas’ Integrated Resources Plan, and specifically reject the utility’s unrealistic and misleading claims about alternative fuels such as renewable natural gas and green hydrogen. Please eliminate Line Extension Allowances to ensure that ratepayers are not ill-informed to commit to supporting the expansion of the gas system. Commission staff have given Cascade clear direction to consider the role of building electrification as a resource for meeting its decarbonization obligations at the lowest cost and lowest risk for customers. Unfortunately Cascade’s IRP does not realistically model electrification as a decarbonization resource or non-pipe alternative to expensive, risky gas infrastructure investments. The Commission should reject Cascade’s weak excuses to avoid investing in electrification and direct it to seriously evaluate and pursue this resource. Additionally, Cascade’s investment in new gas from the controversial GTN Xpress project should be analyzed in light of the project’s uncertainty and risk of becoming a stranded asset. Although previously acknowledged, Cascade’s role in the GTN Xpress project should not be brushed over when considering next steps. Given trends in federal, state and local policies – such as the IRA promoting building electrification, state policy supportive of heat pump deployment, and local governments in Oregon and around the country passing electrification policies, we hope the Commission will ensure Cascade models scenarios in which its customer count goes down, as does the amount of gas customers are using. For the sake of my generation’s demanding efforts, please reject Cascade’s IRP. Thank you for your consideration. | ||
| 3/19/2024 12:33:03 AM | General Comment | From: Beth Jacobi <beth.a.jacobi@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 9:26 PM To: PUC PUC.FilingCenter * PUC <puc.filingcenter@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: Cascade Natural Gas IRP Comments (LC 83) beth.a.jacobi@gmail.com<mailto:beth.a.jacobi@gmail.com>. Chair Decker, Commissioner Perkins, and Commissioner Tawney, My name is Beth Jacobi. I am a resident of Tumalo, OR and a member of the local chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby. Please reject Cascade Natural Gas’ Integrated Resources Plan. To meet state and local climate goals, it is time to reduce, not expand our fossil fuel infrastructure system. Please do not be misled or duped by the utility’s unrealistic and misleading claims about alternative fuels such as renewable natural gas and green hydrogen. Commission staff have given Cascade clear direction to evaluate the role of building electrification as a resource for meeting its decarbonization obligations at the lowest cost and lowest risk for customers. Unfortunately Cascade’s IRP does not realistically model electrification as a decarbonization resource or non-pipe alternative to expensive, risky gas infrastructure investments. The Commission should reject Cascade’s weak excuses to avoid investing in electrification and direct it to seriously evaluate and pursue this resource. Additionally, Cascade’s investment in new gas from the controversial GTN Xpress project should be analyzed in light of the project’s uncertainty and risk of becoming a stranded asset. Although previously acknowledged, Cascade’s investment in GTN Xpress should not be shielded from reassessment. Given trends in federal, state and local policies – such as the IRA promoting building electrification, state policy supportive of heat pump deployment, and local governments in Oregon and around the country passing electrification policies, we hope the Commission will ensure Cascade models scenarios in which its customer count goes down, as does the amount of gas customers are using. For all of the stated reasons, please reject Cascade’s IRP. Thank you for your service and for your consideration. Sincerely, Beth Jacobi -- Beth Jacobi, MSW 541-350-7945 beth.a.jacobi@gmail.com<mailto:beth.a.jacobi@gmail.com> Tumalo, OR | ||
| 6/24/2025 12:31:43 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, As a citizen of the great state of Oregon, fully supportive of the state’s climate goals, deeply concerned about the health effects of fossil fuel pollution on the most vulnerable, and opposing the continued expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure, I write to ask you to PLEASE hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your Order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance policy earlier this year. I believe CNG’s accelerated compliance will not only add fairness to utility rates, but also - and more importantly - CNG’s quick compliance will improve community safety and health. CNG is the last hold out and they are delaying their elimination of LEAs. Furthermore, their conformity to standards to which other gas utilities are held is not only fair, but also essential for Oregon to achieve its climate goals and create a sustainable future where everyone can thrive. For now I am, reluctantly, still a Cascade Natural Gas customer doing my best to reduce my dependence on natural gas, aka methane, as quickly as possible. Oh how I wish that hadn’t been as easy an option when my home was built because, as you know, methane is over 80x more potent than CO2 in warming our planet! So I am actively exploring / implementing ways to more fully reduce and eliminate my dependence on fossil fuels. I’ll keep doing my best as I know you will. Holding CNG accountable for ignoring your order and continuing their use of LEAs is critical! Thank you, Laurie Gordon Bend, Oregon Sent from my iPad | ||
| 6/24/2025 12:31:46 AM | General Comment | ken_wilkins@baylor.edu. Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am Cascade customer who lives in a Pahlisch development (Petrosa) in Bend, Oregon. I have numerous misgivings about line extension allowances (LEA’s). At the personal level, when we purchased our home in Petrosa two years ago, we were forced to accept gas appliances, which we did not want. We were not even given opportunity to opt for electric appliances. This collusion between builders and natural gas suppliers is not in consumers’ best interest. Ironically, during the four prior decades when we lived in Texas, a state with an abundance of natural gas, we never had gas appliances. In fact, gas wasn’t available in newer subdivisions as most builders didn’t install gas supply lines. This saved building costs and reduced home prices for buyers. This also had positive health effects: Absence of natural gas eliminated the source of hazardous fumes that can cause asthma and that pose fire—and explosion—risks. At a broader level, science has demonstrated that continued reliance on natural gas (and other fossil fuels) is causing great harm to the environment. Methane, and carbon dioxide from combustion of natural gas, are potent greenhouse gasses (GHGs). Accumulation of these GHGs is driving global heating that is already having deleterious effects—ranging from more-frequent and more-intense storms to health effects to wildfire to crop failures to sea level change and much more . . . We are in a climate crisis and continued use of fossil gas exacerbates these problems. Bend is a growing city, with extensive new housing being built. If natural gas is allowed in these new homes, that will lock in production of GHGs for decades. It is time to wean ourselves of natural gas appliances. Ending Cascade’s LEAs is a vital step, not only in combatting the climate crisis, but improving the health of residents of these new homes and reducing wildfire risks. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your Order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance policy earlier this year. Thank you, Ken Wilkins 3029 NE Nipper Drive Bend, Oregon 97701 Get Outlook for iOS | ||
| 6/24/2025 12:31:49 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a Cascade customer and live in the Cascade Natural Gas service area. As a citizen of Bend, Oregon. I care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your Order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance policy earlier this year. I believe CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates. I believe CNG’s quick compliance will improve community safety and health. CNG is the last hold out and they are delaying their elimination of LEAs. Rapid conformity to the other gas utilities will help Oregon achieve its climate goals. Bend is anticipating increased housing development, CNGs policy incentivizes building with gas, CNG has to comply with state climate policy and reduce its carbon emissions, I think polluters should pay for the choices they make, etc. In the “DEEP DIVE” attachment, you will find many other reasons. Thank you. Mary Fay 62647 NW Woodsman Ct Bend, OR 97703 406-431-9761 "When we know ourselves to be connected to ALL others, then acting compassionately is simply the natural thing to do." Anonymous | ||
| 6/24/2025 12:31:51 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I live in the Cascade Natural Gas service area in a home using Cascade Natural Gas. I am a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. I am also aware that CNG headquarters are based in the state of Washington Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your Order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance policy earlier this year. The PUC should send a CLEAR MESSAGE to CNG indicating that their LEA non-compliance reflects lack of responsibility for customer rate fairness and supporting Oregon's Climate goals. CNG's LEA practice contributes to increased community health and safety harms. CNG should not be allowed to continue its LEA practice. It should be eliminated QUICKLY. Eliminating LEAs puts fairness and accountability back into gas utility rates for CNG customers. Why should "old" CNG customers. especially in this more enlightened age of natural gas harms, help subsidize CNG's payments to builders and developers. It is very clear that the CNG's LEA practice is meant to encourage builders to "build-in gas appliances", expanding CNG's long-term demand and market. Homes and commercial buildings using natural gas today will, more than likely be burning natural gas in 2100 or longer, 50 years past Oregon's 2050 climate goal target. If builders or home buyers want natural gas, let them bear the financial risk of their decision. I will assume that OPU Commissioners believe in science. Currently, atmospheric levels of CO2 are around 425 ppm, due primarily to the burning of fossil fuels. 425 ppm is well above the threshold level (350ppm) that scientists believe generates irreversible climate change challenges. Natural gas is methane and when combusted emits CO2, both potent greenhouse gases driving climate change. By eliminating LEAs, economic logic suggests that builders will favor all-electric homes. In-home gas appliances, especially stoves and ovens,produce toxic air pollutants. By quickly eliminating CNG's LEAs, PUC will be improving community health, especially for children and the elderly. Likewise, eliminating LEAs translates to less piping and connections, sources of leaking methane explosions and fires. Heaven forbid, if the fire triggers a forest fire! With the quick elimination of CNG LEAs, communities will be safer. CNG is the last hold out and they are delaying their elimination of LEAs. The PUC should recognize all the dangers that CNG's methane product poses and not allow . Here in Bend, possibly a market focus for CNG, it is expected that more than 17,000 housing units will be needed by 2028. CNG's strategy is to delay LEA elimination to take advantage of this rapid housing boom. Progressive cities, like Bend, support LEA elimination; but, they are small and lack the legal resources to defend a CNG lawsuit. PUC Commissioners have the statutory power and resources to enforce LEA elimination, immensely helping cities like Bend. Please eliminate CNG's LEA practice without Thank you. Michael Reed Bend, Oregon PS: ?? We are the caretakers of our planet. Animals, birds, fish, and plants have no one to speak out for their survival. We want our young children to inherit a healthy planet! Please join others supporting clean energy and reducing climate change with your actions, ballots and wallets! | ||
| 7/1/2025 12:32:05 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney & Commissioners Power and Perkins, I write as a concerned senior citizen, residing in Central OR for twenty years now, and climate change advocate for even more years! Currently call Bend, OR my home; and have been an active participant of local 350 Deschutes' Electrify Bend working group for the past couple of years. As you may or may not be aware, Bend has had a Climate Action Plan, with climate goal targets - including GHG reduction - in place for a number of years now; and has been in the process of updating those goals over the course of the past year. They are currently specifically considering an Electrification Policy for new construction within the City. Bend has been one of the fastest growing cities in the state, and is presently targeted to add more than 17,000 new homes and businesses in just the next few years. What type of energy these new homes and building use will have a significant impact on achieving those goals. In the process of working with the Electrify Bend group I had become aware for the first time of the existence of Cascade Natural Gas' Line Extension Allowances (LEAs), and the clearly unfair advantage they afford this Utility when new construction is being considered. I now know that CNG is apparently the only utility in non- compliance with the Commission's direct order earlier this year to meaningfully address it's LEA policy within the state. In addition, they apparently have offered the most generous LEAs, which has negatively impacted the rates charged to customers. All of this seems to be in direct opposition to the City of Bend's decarbonization goals. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your Order to address its LEA policy earlier this Year! It's clear that their prompt compliance will add greater fairness to utility rates, improve the health & safety of our community, and give a significant boost to moving both Bend and the state of Oregon closer to reducing their reliance on fossil fuels, and to achieving those seemingly elusive, but critically important, climate goals. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of these comments on this issue of grave importance, ultimately, to everyone! Sincerely, Emilie Marlinghaus, Bend, OR 97701 | ||
| 7/1/2025 12:32:12 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a Cascade Natural Gas service area…, I’m a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your Order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance policy earlier this year. I believe CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates. I believe CNG’s quick compliance will improve community safety and health. CNG is the last hold out and they are delaying their elimination of LEAs. Rapid conformity to the other gas utilities will help Oregon achieve its climate goals. The city of Bend voted for Community Climate Action In 2019 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bend is anticipating increased housing development, CNGs policy incentivizes building with gas, CNG has to comply with state climate policy and reduce its carbon emissions, I think polluters should pay for the choices they make, etc. The work of reducing GHG's helps create a better future with less wildfires and drought. Thank you. Jason Tedrow Bend, Oregon -- Jason Tedrow Oregon Journeyman Plumber 541-848-0079 | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:31:26 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) customer and resident of Bend Oregon, though I am planning to shut off my gas line by the end of this year. I care deeply about the environment we are leaving our children and grandchildren. Please hold CNG accountable for failing to comply with your Order to address its Line Extension Allowance policy made earlier this year. Why are they allowed to disobey your order? CNG does not need any additional help in being a competitive in the energy market. On the contrary, we should be supporting renewable energy sources. CNG is the last holdout for unnecessary Line Extension Allowances. New homes should run on electric clean energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro. New homes should be designed for solar roofs, high efficiency heat pumps, thick insulation etc. Local governments should not be supporting the fossil fuel industries any longer. Please enforce your existing Order and pass more environmental legislation. Our children and grandchildren will thank you! John Copyak john@cleanusapower.com 115 NW Oregon Ave. Unit 10 Bend, OR 97703 541-668-0423 cleanusapower.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:31:31 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, David Green Bend, OR david.carl.green@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:31:50 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Linda Voci Redmond, OR labellavoci14@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:31:52 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Fred Villoutreix Bend, OR fredericga30022@yahoo.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:31:54 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a retired biologist who has been following climate change issues for decades. As a Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Gail Sabbadini Bend, OR ggsabba@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:31:57 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a CNG customer in Bend, OR and I care about local air quality and our rapidly warming climate. Smoke season is already upon us in Bend, restricting our ability to safely be outside. We know that global warming is causing less snow in the winter and hotter temperatures in the summer, both of which cause soil and vegetation to dry out. And now that the fires have started once again, we are reminded that carbon emissions from burning natural gas are part of the reason we are surrounded by smoke. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your Order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance policy earlier this year. I believe CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates. I believe CNG’s quick compliance will improve community safety and health. CNG is the last hold out and they are delaying their elimination of LEAs. Rapid conformity to the other gas utilities will improve Oregon’s chances to achieve its climate goals. Bend is anticipating increased housing development, CNGs policy incentivizes building with gas, CNG has to comply with state climate policy and reduce its carbon emissions, I think polluters should pay for the choices they make! Please take swift action so we can build a cleaner, safer, healthier Oregon. Thank you. Hal DeShow Bend, OR | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:31:59 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Max Merrill Bend, OR gracekennedy@hotmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:16 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Kerie Raymond Bend, OR kerie.raymondnd@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:18 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Sandy Thompson Bend, OR bsand@bendbroadband.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:20 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Kristi Melllum Bend, OR kristi@olcv.org | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:22 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. Continuing to encourage gas line development is a step backwards. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Jeremy Fox Bend, OR jeremycfox80@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:24 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Kerie Raymond Bend, OR kerie.raymondnd@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:26 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Linda Bonotto Bend, OR lindabonotto@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:29 AM | General Comment | kermit.donna@everyactioncustom.com. Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. I have been looking to move nearer to a town and notice many of brand new homes have natural gas stoves. I would change this out immediately to an electric stoves as I do not wish to contribute to more methane emission into our air. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Donna Harris Bend, OR Kermit.donna@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:32 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Craig Lacy Bend, OR lacycraig@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:34 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Katie Grenier Bend, OR kgrenier@bendcable.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:37 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Katherine Hudson Bend, OR kshudson2@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:39 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Hilary Garrett Bend, OR garretthilary@hotmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:41 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, T Jeffries Bend, OR tjeffries77@yahoo.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:44 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Kathy Persinger Bend, OR kathy.psinger@efn.org | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:46 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I am also an architect who designs Zero Net Energy and Zero Carbon homes. It's quite easy to do! Excellent electric products are available in all areas: cooking appliances, fireplaces, heating & cooling appliances! My clients and I love their electric products! I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Cheryl Heinrichs Bend, OR cheryl@charchitecture.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:50 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Bill Hull Bend, OR whhullco@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:52 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Heidi Hartman Bend, OR nachurgrl@yahoo.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:56 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Michele McKay Bend, OR michemckay@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:32:58 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a climate scientist (Ph.D., MIT), public official and concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Jamie Collins Bend, OR james.r.collins@aya.yale.edu | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:33:01 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Laurie Swenson Bend, OR lgswenson@yahoo.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:33:03 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Phyllis Grove Bend, OR mallardchestnut@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:33:06 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Anne Barnett Bend, OR mauibarnett@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:33:10 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, As a grandmother of 2 from Bend, OR, I am very concerned about unabated pollution impacting our community and especially children. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your Order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance policy earlier this year. I believe CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates. I believe CNG’s quick compliance will improve community safety and health. CNG is the last hold out and they are delaying their elimination of LEAs. Rapid conformity to the other gas utilities will improve Oregon’s chances to achieve its climate goals. Bend's housing development is exploding! And CNGs policy incentivizes building with gas. CNG NEEDS to comply with state climate policy and reduce its carbon emissions. Polluters should pay for the choices they make! Please take swift action so we can build a cleaner, safer, healthier Oregon. Thank you. Laura J Swartz 1704 SE Virginia Rd, Bend OR 97702 swartzljb@gmail.com<mailto:swartzljb@gmail.com> | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:33:12 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a Bend resident and Cascade Natural Gas customer who is concerned with air pollution and carbon emissions in Central Oregon. I am asking that you please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your Order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance policy earlier this year. I believe CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates. I believe CNG’s quick compliance will improve community safety and health. CNG is the last hold out and they are delaying their elimination of LEAs. Rapid conformity to the other gas utilities will improve Oregon’s chances to achieve its climate goals. Bend is anticipating increased housing development, CNGs policy incentivizes building with gas, CNG has to comply with state climate policy and reduce its carbon emissions, I think polluters should pay for the choices they make! Please take swift action so we can build a cleaner, safer, healthier Oregon. Thank you. Caroline Skidmore 211 NW Wilmington Ave Bend, OR 97703 | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:33:15 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Jacqueline Dingfelder Bend, OR jdingfelder@comcast.net | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:33:17 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Thomas Rogers Bend, OR bendtom195@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:33:20 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Brett Larson Bend, OR npabasketballbrett@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:33:22 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Linda Hendrix Bend, OR bendher63@gmail.com | ||
| 7/18/2025 12:33:24 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Barbara Wright Pendleton, OR msba.wright@gmail.com | ||
| 7/22/2025 12:31:20 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon who has actually made significant personal investments to curtail my use of natural gas due to being diagnosed with adult onset asthma. Not only do I care about my own and my family's health, I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and livable future. Thank you, Connie Peterson Bend, OR cjp8784@gmail.com | ||
| 7/23/2025 12:32:18 AM | General Comment | To whom it concerns, I'm writing to say my piece about the CNG refusal to meet the goals of caring for our state and it's citizens by not reducing LEA now! They must meet these needs asap for the best welfare of all potentially affected, our health being the most important consideration whether it be climate related or direct individual exposure. Oregon has a great reputation and goals to keep our state as green and healthy as possible. Business should not shuck their responsibilities. Thank you, Jeanie Carmichael | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:31:32 AM | General Comment | I urge you to eliminateline extension allowances. Thank you, Kelly O’Hanley | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:31:36 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Eliminating LEAs reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, Philip Ratcliff Salem OR | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:31:39 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Eliminating LEAs reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, Philip Ratcliff Salem OR | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:31:43 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Eliminating LEAs reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, Philip Ratcliff Salem OR | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:31:47 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Kerie Raymond Bend, OR kerie.raymondnd@gmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:31:50 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Kerie Raymond Bend, OR kerie.raymondnd@gmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:31:53 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Kerie Raymond Bend, OR kerie.raymondnd@gmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:31:55 AM | General Comment | I am a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Gas appliances pose risks to human health. Gas appliances generate several harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Outdoor fossil fuel pollution from homes and businesses in Oregon contributes to health impacts estimated at nearly $88 million annually. When climate change damages health, property, agriculture, infrastructure, and social stability, the societal costs of this building pollution reach a staggering $1.1 billion. Multiple high-quality scientific studies have demonstrated that nitrogen dioxide concentrations are higher in homes that utilize gas stoves, and that cooking with gas stoves without adequate ventilation can lead to home nitrogen dioxide concentrations exceeding the EPA's ambient air quality standards. Epidemiological studies have shown that homes with gas stoves are associated with an increased risk of asthma in children as well as more severe asthma symptoms. Eliminating LEAs reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, -- Marie Wakefield Newport, OR wakefieldm_2000@yahoo.com<mailto:wakefieldm_2000@yahoo.com> | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:31:58 AM | General Comment | I am a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Gas appliances pose risks to human health. Gas appliances generate several harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Outdoor fossil fuel pollution from homes and businesses in Oregon contributes to health impacts estimated at nearly $88 million annually. When climate change damages health, property, agriculture, infrastructure, and social stability, the societal costs of this building pollution reach a staggering $1.1 billion. Multiple high-quality scientific studies have demonstrated that nitrogen dioxide concentrations are higher in homes that utilize gas stoves, and that cooking with gas stoves without adequate ventilation can lead to home nitrogen dioxide concentrations exceeding the EPA's ambient air quality standards. Epidemiological studies have shown that homes with gas stoves are associated with an increased risk of asthma in children as well as more severe asthma symptoms. Eliminating LEAs reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, -- Marie Wakefield Newport, OR wakefieldm_2000@yahoo.com<mailto:wakefieldm_2000@yahoo.com> | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:00 AM | General Comment | I am a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Gas appliances pose risks to human health. Gas appliances generate several harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Outdoor fossil fuel pollution from homes and businesses in Oregon contributes to health impacts estimated at nearly $88 million annually. When climate change damages health, property, agriculture, infrastructure, and social stability, the societal costs of this building pollution reach a staggering $1.1 billion. Multiple high-quality scientific studies have demonstrated that nitrogen dioxide concentrations are higher in homes that utilize gas stoves, and that cooking with gas stoves without adequate ventilation can lead to home nitrogen dioxide concentrations exceeding the EPA's ambient air quality standards. Epidemiological studies have shown that homes with gas stoves are associated with an increased risk of asthma in children as well as more severe asthma symptoms. Eliminating LEAs reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, -- Marie Wakefield Newport, OR wakefieldm_2000@yahoo.com<mailto:wakefieldm_2000@yahoo.com> | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:03 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I’m an ER physician, who grew up in Oregon, graduated from OHSU, and have been in clinical practice treating Oregonians who come to the ER for the last 13 years. One of the health problems we treat with increasing frequency is chronic lung disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Gas appliances are a significant driver to these devastating life-long health problems, with children being especially vulnerable. Gas appliance generate multiple harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Stanford researchers found that gas stoves leak toxic cancer-causing chemicals like benzene even when the stove is off. According to EPA estimates, households that use gas stoves for cooking have nitrogen dioxide levels that are between 50% and 400% higher than those with electric stoves. The EPA has determined that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide is "likely causal" of respiratory illnesses such as asthma. A 2013 meta-analysis found that children residing in homes with gas stoves have a 42% higher risk of current asthma and a 24% higher lifetime risk of asthma compared to children living in homes with electric stoves. The risk gas stoves pose to children's health is a comparable risk to a child living with a smoker in the home. For the sake of the health of Oregonians, especially our young children, I ask that you please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Eliminating LEAs also reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, Dr. Christopher Hale | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:05 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I’m an ER physician, who grew up in Oregon, graduated from OHSU, and have been in clinical practice treating Oregonians who come to the ER for the last 13 years. One of the health problems we treat with increasing frequency is chronic lung disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Gas appliances are a significant driver to these devastating life-long health problems, with children being especially vulnerable. Gas appliance generate multiple harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Stanford researchers found that gas stoves leak toxic cancer-causing chemicals like benzene even when the stove is off. According to EPA estimates, households that use gas stoves for cooking have nitrogen dioxide levels that are between 50% and 400% higher than those with electric stoves. The EPA has determined that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide is "likely causal" of respiratory illnesses such as asthma. A 2013 meta-analysis found that children residing in homes with gas stoves have a 42% higher risk of current asthma and a 24% higher lifetime risk of asthma compared to children living in homes with electric stoves. The risk gas stoves pose to children's health is a comparable risk to a child living with a smoker in the home. For the sake of the health of Oregonians, especially our young children, I ask that you please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Eliminating LEAs also reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, Dr. Christopher Hale | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:08 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I’m an ER physician, who grew up in Oregon, graduated from OHSU, and have been in clinical practice treating Oregonians who come to the ER for the last 13 years. One of the health problems we treat with increasing frequency is chronic lung disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Gas appliances are a significant driver to these devastating life-long health problems, with children being especially vulnerable. Gas appliance generate multiple harmful air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Stanford researchers found that gas stoves leak toxic cancer-causing chemicals like benzene even when the stove is off. According to EPA estimates, households that use gas stoves for cooking have nitrogen dioxide levels that are between 50% and 400% higher than those with electric stoves. The EPA has determined that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide is "likely causal" of respiratory illnesses such as asthma. A 2013 meta-analysis found that children residing in homes with gas stoves have a 42% higher risk of current asthma and a 24% higher lifetime risk of asthma compared to children living in homes with electric stoves. The risk gas stoves pose to children's health is a comparable risk to a child living with a smoker in the home. For the sake of the health of Oregonians, especially our young children, I ask that you please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Eliminating LEAs also reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, Dr. Christopher Hale | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:10 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Lauren Fraser Bend, OR laurenffraser@gmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:12 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Lauren Fraser Bend, OR laurenffraser@gmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:15 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Lauren Fraser Bend, OR laurenffraser@gmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:18 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Susan Heath Albany, OR forbux@hotmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:20 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Susan Heath Albany, OR forbux@hotmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:23 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Susan Heath Albany, OR forbux@hotmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:24 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Alice Hodgdon Bend, OR ahodgdon@yahoo.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:27 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Alice Hodgdon Bend, OR ahodgdon@yahoo.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:30 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Alice Hodgdon Bend, OR ahodgdon@yahoo.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:32 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Scott Cooper Bend, OR scottkcooper@msn.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:35 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Scott Cooper Bend, OR scottkcooper@msn.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:37 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Scott Cooper Bend, OR scottkcooper@msn.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:39 AM | General Comment | Dear PUC, I write to you to sincerely ask you to do away with the line extension allowance for gas lines in new home construction. So many people including people who work in government regulatory positions see requests from environmentalist as just another special interest group no different from the people who don’t want utilities to hurt their ocean view or unions who don’t want any change in construction practices that might reduce employment of their members. But environmentalists are absolutely not a “special interest group” because what we advocate for does not benefit us personally. We advocate for the health of all citizens and more than that for the health and well being of our entire planet which is the opposite of of a special interest. Methane is dangerous to human health and to our planet. It is time to stop acting like this is some fringe belief. It is a scientific fact that methane is the most potent driver of green house gasses that are responsible for global warming and all the environmental disasters we now see every day in our communities and in the news. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes the critical role of aggressive methane emission reductions in limiting global warming, noting that while methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a warming impact about 80 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2) over 20 years, its relatively short atmospheric lifetime makes reducing its emissions a powerful tool for immediate climate impact mitigation. Limiting warming to 1.5°C requires global greenhouse gas emissions to peak before 2025. Multiple medical associations have also stated clearly that gas appliances, especially gas stoves, leak methane into our homes even when not in use and this methane is dangerous for people with asthma especially children. Methane in the home leads to increase asthma exacerbations and even to the development of asthma in children. People in the US assume that our government bodies will protect us from harm. I think of all the young families moving into their new homes who assume the structure is safe because inspectors and engineers have made sure it is. But what they don’t know is that our government regulators are approving homes to be built and sold with gas appliances and never once advising these young families that those gas appliances are dangerous for their children and the methane emissions from those homes also are a major contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions that will make their children’s future so much more perilous. Please be brave and stand up for our children. Stop the line extension allowance that encourages builder to construct homes with gas appliances. Sincerely, Ruth Dallas 1617 SE 73 AVE Hillsboro OR | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:42 AM | General Comment | Dear PUC, I write to you to sincerely ask you to do away with the line extension allowance for gas lines in new home construction. So many people including people who work in government regulatory positions see requests from environmentalist as just another special interest group no different from the people who don’t want utilities to hurt their ocean view or unions who don’t want any change in construction practices that might reduce employment of their members. But environmentalists are absolutely not a “special interest group” because what we advocate for does not benefit us personally. We advocate for the health of all citizens and more than that for the health and well being of our entire planet which is the opposite of of a special interest. Methane is dangerous to human health and to our planet. It is time to stop acting like this is some fringe belief. It is a scientific fact that methane is the most potent driver of green house gasses that are responsible for global warming and all the environmental disasters we now see every day in our communities and in the news. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes the critical role of aggressive methane emission reductions in limiting global warming, noting that while methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a warming impact about 80 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2) over 20 years, its relatively short atmospheric lifetime makes reducing its emissions a powerful tool for immediate climate impact mitigation. Limiting warming to 1.5°C requires global greenhouse gas emissions to peak before 2025. Multiple medical associations have also stated clearly that gas appliances, especially gas stoves, leak methane into our homes even when not in use and this methane is dangerous for people with asthma especially children. Methane in the home leads to increase asthma exacerbations and even to the development of asthma in children. People in the US assume that our government bodies will protect us from harm. I think of all the young families moving into their new homes who assume the structure is safe because inspectors and engineers have made sure it is. But what they don’t know is that our government regulators are approving homes to be built and sold with gas appliances and never once advising these young families that those gas appliances are dangerous for their children and the methane emissions from those homes also are a major contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions that will make their children’s future so much more perilous. Please be brave and stand up for our children. Stop the line extension allowance that encourages builder to construct homes with gas appliances. Sincerely, Ruth Dallas 1617 SE 73 AVE Hillsboro OR | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:45 AM | General Comment | Dear PUC, I write to you to sincerely ask you to do away with the line extension allowance for gas lines in new home construction. So many people including people who work in government regulatory positions see requests from environmentalist as just another special interest group no different from the people who don’t want utilities to hurt their ocean view or unions who don’t want any change in construction practices that might reduce employment of their members. But environmentalists are absolutely not a “special interest group” because what we advocate for does not benefit us personally. We advocate for the health of all citizens and more than that for the health and well being of our entire planet which is the opposite of of a special interest. Methane is dangerous to human health and to our planet. It is time to stop acting like this is some fringe belief. It is a scientific fact that methane is the most potent driver of green house gasses that are responsible for global warming and all the environmental disasters we now see every day in our communities and in the news. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes the critical role of aggressive methane emission reductions in limiting global warming, noting that while methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a warming impact about 80 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2) over 20 years, its relatively short atmospheric lifetime makes reducing its emissions a powerful tool for immediate climate impact mitigation. Limiting warming to 1.5°C requires global greenhouse gas emissions to peak before 2025. Multiple medical associations have also stated clearly that gas appliances, especially gas stoves, leak methane into our homes even when not in use and this methane is dangerous for people with asthma especially children. Methane in the home leads to increase asthma exacerbations and even to the development of asthma in children. People in the US assume that our government bodies will protect us from harm. I think of all the young families moving into their new homes who assume the structure is safe because inspectors and engineers have made sure it is. But what they don’t know is that our government regulators are approving homes to be built and sold with gas appliances and never once advising these young families that those gas appliances are dangerous for their children and the methane emissions from those homes also are a major contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions that will make their children’s future so much more perilous. Please be brave and stand up for our children. Stop the line extension allowance that encourages builder to construct homes with gas appliances. Sincerely, Ruth Dallas 1617 SE 73 AVE Hillsboro OR | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:47 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Eliminating LEAs reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, Anthony Albert Corvallis, OR | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:50 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Eliminating LEAs reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, Anthony Albert Corvallis, OR | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:52 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a citizen of Oregon and care about our state. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. Eliminating LEAs reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. Thank you, Anthony Albert Corvallis, OR | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:54 AM | General Comment | Line Extension Allowances should be eliminated. It no longer makes sense to have procedures in place that result in encouraging ongoing use of natural gas in new homes. Thank you, Veronica Poklemba Portland, Oregon 97202 | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:57 AM | General Comment | Line Extension Allowances should be eliminated. It no longer makes sense to have procedures in place that result in encouraging ongoing use of natural gas in new homes. Thank you, Veronica Poklemba Portland, Oregon 97202 | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:32:59 AM | General Comment | Line Extension Allowances should be eliminated. It no longer makes sense to have procedures in place that result in encouraging ongoing use of natural gas in new homes. Thank you, Veronica Poklemba Portland, Oregon 97202 | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:33:02 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon. I care about the negative health impacts of toxic of indoor air quality by use of natural gas, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Connie Peterson Bend, OR cjp8784@gmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:33:05 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon. I care about the negative health impacts of toxic of indoor air quality by use of natural gas, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Connie Peterson Bend, OR cjp8784@gmail.com | ||
| 7/29/2025 12:33:07 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon. I care about the negative health impacts of toxic of indoor air quality by use of natural gas, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Connie Peterson Bend, OR cjp8784@gmail.com | ||
| 7/30/2025 12:31:28 AM | General Comment | CNG is stalling. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs. They are out of compliance with the PUC’s order to address LEAs. No bueno!!!!! Please take appropriate action. Sincerely, Kelly O’Hanley | ||
| 8/5/2025 12:31:20 AM | General Comment | mikayla.may09@everyactioncustom.com. Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned High School Student in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. As a youth activist, the health and safety of my community, as well as the affordability of my community for everyone, are of utmost importance to me. By holding Cascade Natural Gas accountable, you can help to improve the health, safety, and affordability of my community for generations to come. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. The safety of me and my community, as well as future generations, is in your hands. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and livable future. Thank you, Mikayla May Bend, OR Mikayla.may09@gmail.com | ||
| 8/6/2025 12:31:27 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Brennan Breen Bend, OR brennan@energizebend.org | ||
| 8/6/2025 12:31:31 AM | General Comment | Chair Tawney, Commissioner Perkins, and Commissioner Power: As a Cascade Gas ratepayer, I was astonished to learn that the Oregon Public Utility Commission allows Cascade Gas to pay real estate developers to install new gas lines (Line Extension Allowances, or LEAs). While thousands of Cascade's ratepayers receive little or nothing in benefit from new LEAs, somehow all of us are still paying for them. This is a subsidy that clearly benefits Cascade, but it reduces competition and consumer choice. The new gas installations and appliances that result from LEAs often leave property owners and renters with no option but to use Cascade's product. This is because LEAs help to raise the cost of switching to electricity. It is a predictable outcome: If a builder is paid to install gas lines, then they will often favor gas for their building energy system and install gas appliances instead of electric alternatives. This requires future occupants to either use gas or pay to retrofit their home or building. To be specific, if a builder only installs a gas connection behind a gas kitchen stove — and not the 220-240V electrical outlet required for an electric stove — then the owner or tenant will need to pay $1,000+ to install new 220V wiring. Then they will need to spend another $1,000+ on an electric stove. Replacing water heating and HVAC systems will cost even more. Many working people cannot afford to make these expensive changes, even if they want to protect their families from the health and safety risks of gas appliances. With LEAs, instead of the customer choosing Cascade, Cascade chooses the customer and locks them into using its product for decades. This is economic gerrymandering. It is wrong, and it should stop immediately. Chair and Commissioners, will you fix this problem? For more on the health, safety, and environmental impacts of LEAs, please see the Stop NW Gas Expansion Coalition's August 4, 2025 comment letter (copied below), which I fully endorse. Very respectfully, Peter Fargo Baker City, Oregon ---------- Forwarded message --------- Sent: Monday, August 4, 2025 7:31 PM To: PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov> <PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov>> Subject: LC 83 - Comments on Cascade Natural Gas IRP Update Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power: The Stop NW Gas Expansion Coalition is an alliance of public health, faith-based, and environmental organizations as well as community members. We urge the Commission to require that Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) immediately cease its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) practices. We are aware that in 2023, Commission staff correctly emphasized the need for CNG to update its LEA policy. The Commission staff did not mince words. They described CNG’s existing LEA policy as “outdated” and recommended that it be “updated” since it “does not reflect incremental GHG compliance costs associated with providing new natural gas service.” Staff explained that “the Company should have already known this and taken action to adjust the line extension policy.” In Order 25-148, dated 31, 2024, the Commission agreed with Staff that CNG’s line extension allowance policy needed to be revisited, but it indicated it preferred to do so in a general rate case. If CNG did not file a general rate case in 2025, the Commission assumed it would “make a separate filing” focused on this issue. To date, CNG has not filed a general rate case or a separate filing. Instead, it has proposed a series of “stakeholder workshops.” This has all the appearances of another delay tactic. The Commission has already addressed the LEA policies for the other two methane gas utilities serving Oregon. We urge the Commission to move expeditiously, requiring CNG to immediately cease its LEA practice. Alternatively, we endorse the recommendation offered by the Green Energy Institute (GEI) that the Commission include a process in the current docket that Cascade file an interim tariff that addresses its LEA. LEA payments incentivize building with methane gas appliances and furthers CNG pipeline expansion, delivering its harmful, mostly fracked, methane gas product to homes and businesses. This gas is harmful to both people and the planet and further infrastructure installation only guarantees its use for decades to come. Your action to stop LEAs will benefit the citizens of Oregon in many ways: 1. It will add fairness to utility rates. Given the now scientifically documented and understood harmful nature of methane gas, “old customers” believe that if “new customers” want methane gas, they should bear the cost for their polluting line extension connections. It is not in the Oregon public interest to have “old” customers, against their environmental values, subsidize CNG’s market expansion. 2. It will improve community safety. If gas line extensions to homes and buildings decline, the risks of methane fires and explosions will also be reduced, saving lives, property, and future emergency response tax burdens. 3. It will improve people’s health. When gas line extensions decline, fewer homes and commercial buildings will contain gas appliances (stoves, water heaters, HVAC, etc.). These gas appliances emit toxic methane pollutants. Leaked methane gas and its combustion byproducts, such as nitrogen dioxide,* are linked to higher incidences of childhood asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Gas appliances also leak benzene, which causes leukemia and other cancers.** *https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/05/people-with-gas-and-propane-stoves-breathe-more-unhealthy-nitrogen-dioxide **https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2023/06/cooking-gas-stoves-emits-benzene-2 4. It will help the State of Oregon achieve its climate goals. Oregon citizens, via legislation and agency funding have created climate goals and targets for the benefit of future generations. OPUC has an obligation to reduce methane and CO2 pollutants contributing to climate change. Each day that OPUC allows CNG to continue its LEA practice, goes against the will of Oregon voters. CNG has acted irresponsibly by snubbing the Commission’s compliance target. The Commissioners have no obligation to allow CNG, in light of its behavior, to continue their LEA practice. 5. Eliminating CNG’s LEA practice will benefit small municipalities, such as Bend, Oregon, that wish to take bolder steps to reduce their methane gas emissions footprint, yet they are reluctant. Small municipalities are less likely to have the legal resources to defend against CNG, a subsidiary corporation (headquartered in Washington) and owned by fossil fuel conglomerate MDU Resources Group, Inc. MDU Resources Group, Inc has a market cap of over $3 billion with considerable legal resources. It is headquartered in Bismarck, ND The Stop NW Gas Expansion Coalition believes that CNG recognizes the significant building growth currently taking place in Central Oregon and other parts of its service area. Bend, according to its comprehensive plan, sees a need for over 17,000 housing units by 2028. With the Amazon Data Center expansion, cities like Hermiston and Prineville are also expected to see significantly increased housing growth. We believe that CNG is purposely delaying LEA elimination so it can continue to incentivize builders as long as OPUC allows. CNG has asked for a series of unneeded stakeholder meetings. We view this as a planned delaying tactic, designed to give CNG more time to use LEAs, expanding its customer base and service area. We believe CNG is banking on LEAs to help lock in methane gas customers for the next 5-10 decades, dismissing concerns for rate fairness, community safety and health, and its responsibility to support Oregon’s Climate goals. We presume the Commissioners are aware that CNG receives most of its gas from the 60+ year old aging GTN pipeline, which many consider unsafe. Allowing CNG’s LEA practice to continue, places more demand on this aging GTN pipeline, raising safety concerns that impact Oregonians beyond CNG’s service area. The Commission has established LEA elimination targets for Avista and NW Natural Gas. Why the Commission has allowed CNG to continue its LEA practice, causing harm to Oregon citizens and climate policy is not understood. For all of the reasons noted above, please stand up for Oregon taxpayers that want rate fairness and OPUC to help protect future generations. Require CNG to immediately cease its LEA practice. Thank you, The Stop NW Gas Expansion Coalition Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Peter Fargo, Environment and Energy Program Manager Climate, Energy and Environment Team - Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network (COIN), Jeff Hammarlund, Co-chair Columbia Riverkeeper, Dan Serres, Advocacy Director 350Deschutes, Diane Hodiak, Executive Director Debra McGee, Director, 350Eugene Rogue Climate, Jess Grady-Benson, Organizing Director Southern Oregon Climate Action Now, Alan Journet, Cofacilitator Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, Samantha Hernandez, Healthy Climate Program Director Oregon Interfaith Power and Light, Rev. Richenda Fairhurst, Chair Oregon Conservancy Foundation, Lloyd K. Marbet, Executive Director Climate Change Recovery, Pam Vergun, Executive Director UUFCO Environmental Justice Team, Michael Reed, Member | ||
| 8/6/2025 12:31:34 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power: The Stop NW Gas Expansion Coalition is an alliance of public health, faith-based, and environmental organizations as well as community members. We urge the Commission to require that Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) immediately cease its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) practices. We are aware that in 2023, Commission staff correctly emphasized the need for CNG to update its LEA policy. The Commission staff did not mince words. They described CNG’s existing LEA policy as “outdated” and recommended that it be “updated” since it “does not reflect incremental GHG compliance costs associated with providing new natural gas service.” Staff explained that “the Company should have already known this and taken action to adjust the line extension policy.” In Order 25-148, dated 31, 2024, the Commission agreed with Staff that CNG’s line extension allowance policy needed to be revisited, but it indicated it preferred to do so in a general rate case. If CNG did not file a general rate case in 2025, the Commission assumed it would “make a separate filing” focused on this issue. To date, CNG has not filed a general rate case or a separate filing. Instead, it has proposed a series of “stakeholder workshops.” This has all the appearances of another delay tactic. The Commission has already addressed the LEA policies for the other two methane gas utilities serving Oregon. We urge the Commission to move expeditiously, requiring CNG to immediately cease its LEA practice. Alternatively, we endorse the recommendation offered by the Green Energy Institute (GEI) that the Commission include a process in the current docket that Cascade file an interim tariff that addresses its LEA. LEA payments incentivize building with methane gas appliances and furthers CNG pipeline expansion, delivering its harmful, mostly fracked, methane gas product to homes and businesses. This gas is harmful to both people and the planet and further infrastructure installation only guarantees its use for decades to come. Your action to stop LEAs will benefit the citizens of Oregon in many ways: 1. It will add fairness to utility rates. Given the now scientifically documented and understood harmful nature of methane gas, “old customers” believe that if “new customers” want methane gas, they should bear the cost for their polluting line extension connections. It is not in the Oregon public interest to have “old” customers, against their environmental values, subsidize CNG’s market expansion. 2. It will improve community safety. If gas line extensions to homes and buildings decline, the risks of methane fires and explosions will also be reduced, saving lives, property, and future emergency response tax burdens. 3. It will improve people’s health. When gas line extensions decline, fewer homes and commercial buildings will contain gas appliances (stoves, water heaters, HVAC, etc.). These gas appliances emit toxic methane pollutants. Leaked methane gas and its combustion byproducts, such as nitrogen dioxide,* are linked to higher incidences of childhood asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Gas appliances also leak benzene, which causes leukemia and other cancers.** *https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/05/people-with-gas-and-propane-stoves-breathe-more-unhealthy-nitrogen-dioxide **https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2023/06/cooking-gas-stoves-emits-benzene-2 4. It will help the State of Oregon achieve its climate goals. Oregon citizens, via legislation and agency funding have created climate goals and targets for the benefit of future generations. OPUC has an obligation to reduce methane and CO2 pollutants contributing to climate change. Each day that OPUC allows CNG to continue its LEA practice, goes against the will of Oregon voters. CNG has acted irresponsibly by snubbing the Commission’s compliance target. The Commissioners have no obligation to allow CNG, in light of its behavior, to continue their LEA practice. 5. Eliminating CNG’s LEA practice will benefit small municipalities, such as Bend, Oregon, that wish to take bolder steps to reduce their methane gas emissions footprint, yet they are reluctant. Small municipalities are less likely to have the legal resources to defend against CNG, a subsidiary corporation (headquartered in Washington) and owned by fossil fuel conglomerate MDU Resources Group, Inc. MDU Resources Group, Inc has a market cap of over $3 billion with considerable legal resources. It is headquartered in Bismarck, ND The Stop NW Gas Expansion Coalition believes that CNG recognizes the significant building growth currently taking place in Central Oregon and other parts of its service area. Bend, according to its comprehensive plan, sees a need for over 17,000 housing units by 2028. With the Amazon Data Center expansion, cities like Hermiston and Prineville are also expected to see significantly increased housing growth. We believe that CNG is purposely delaying LEA elimination so it can continue to incentivize builders as long as OPUC allows. CNG has asked for a series of unneeded stakeholder meetings. We view this as a planned delaying tactic, designed to give CNG more time to use LEAs, expanding its customer base and service area. We believe CNG is banking on LEAs to help lock in methane gas customers for the next 5-10 decades, dismissing concerns for rate fairness, community safety and health, and its responsibility to support Oregon’s Climate goals. We presume the Commissioners are aware that CNG receives most of its gas from the 60+ year old aging GTN pipeline, which many consider unsafe. Allowing CNG’s LEA practice to continue, places more demand on this aging GTN pipeline, raising safety concerns that impact Oregonians beyond CNG’s service area. The Commission has established LEA elimination targets for Avista and NW Natural Gas. Why the Commission has allowed CNG to continue its LEA practice, causing harm to Oregon citizens and climate policy is not understood. For all of the reasons noted above, please stand up for Oregon taxpayers that want rate fairness and OPUC to help protect future generations. Require CNG to immediately cease its LEA practice. Thank you, The Stop NW Gas Expansion Coalition Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Peter Fargo, Environment and Energy Program Manager Climate, Energy and Environment Team - Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network (COIN), Jeff Hammarlund, Co-chair Columbia Riverkeeper, Dan Serres, Advocacy Director 350Deschutes, Diane Hodiak, Executive Director Debra McGee, Director, 350Eugene Rogue Climate, Jess Grady-Benson, Organizing Director Southern Oregon Climate Action Now, Alan Journet, Cofacilitator Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, Samantha Hernandez, Healthy Climate Program Director Oregon Interfaith Power and Light, Rev. Richenda Fairhurst, Chair Oregon Conservancy Foundation, Lloyd K. Marbet, Executive Director Climate Change Recovery, Pam Vergun, Executive Director UUFCO Environmental Justice Team, Michael Reed, Member | ||
| 8/7/2025 12:31:23 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a retired physician and Co-President of the Board of Directors of Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, a statewide organization that works to protect human life from the greatest threats to health and survival by striving to protect our climate, end the nuclear threat , promote peace and advance justice. As an organization, we work with frontline and rural communities that are most at risk from the devastating impacts of climate change. From my career as a physician at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, working with both rural and urban underserved families, I know firsthand how challenging it is for low income families to afford to heat and cool their homes because of the high cost of both gas and electricity and the ever-increasing rates of our privately-owned utilities. These families also disproportionately experience the impacts of heat waves, wildfires, poor air quality and unsafe working conditions. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG’s accelerated compliance will add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health. CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs, and they are delaying. From a health standpoint, gas appliances pollute indoor air by emitting toxic air pollutants--nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM <2.5), and formaldehyde. A large meta analysis and other studies have shown that homes with gas stoves are associated with an increased risk of asthma in children as well as more severe asthma symptoms, requiring more emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Stanford researchers and researchers on the east coast both found that gas stoves leak toxic cancer-causing chemicals like benzene even when the stove is off. Gas furnaces and water heaters also cause outdoor air pollution, emitting the same air toxins as gas stoves and the same pollutants emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles. These emissions worsen health and have been estimated to result in health costs to Oregonians of nearly $88 million annually. When climate change damages health, property, agriculture, infrastructure, and social stability, the societal costs of this building pollution reach a staggering $1.1 billion. Eliminating LEAs reduces CNG’s greenhouse gas emissions and helps Oregon meet its climate goals. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuel as Oregon endures record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and wildfires. We must act now to lessen the impacts of the climate crisis for future generations. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Thank you, Ann Turner, MD Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility Portland, Oregon | ||
| 8/7/2025 12:31:26 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Mary Harris Bend, OR maryjoyharris@gmail.com | ||
| 8/7/2025 12:31:29 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am genuinely concerned for the future of our planet and for future generations. We need action; and Cascade Natural Gas needs to take steps to do better. I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Stephanie Dakin Bend, OR stephaniefdakin@gmail.com | ||
| 8/7/2025 12:31:31 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, As a resident of Oregon and a renter who had to fight with my gas utility to turn off the gas to my unit -- I have a portable induction unit I can use to cook instead of the fume-ful gas stove that is in the apartment -- I don't want you to allow any Oregon gas utility to get away with more line extension allowances. Line extension allowances cost ratepayers money, add methane leaks and explosion dangers to the system, and the end occupant of the building-- like me-- may be saddled with a health harming system that they do not even want. Please hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your order directing the company to address its Line Extension Allowance (LEA) policy earlier this year. CNG should accelerate compliance to add fairness to utility rates and improve community safety and health, as well as being a step to reduce CNG's greenhouse gas emissions and help Oregon meet its climate goals. I've been told CNG is the last natural gas utility that doesn’t have a plan to eliminate LEAs; they need to get on track. Now is the time to do everything we can to transition away from fossil fuels. Every day we delay causes more health harms from pollution. Every year we delay causes Oregon to endure more serious damage to lives and livelihoods-- including crop failures, destroyed homes, and heatstroke in upper level city apartment units -- from climate-fueled extreme weather and wildfires. Thank you, Helena Birecki Portland, OR | ||
| 8/7/2025 12:31:34 AM | General Comment | To: PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov<mailto:PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov> Subject: LC 83 - Stop LEAs - Cascade Natural Gas IRP Update As a statewide association of Christian churches and interfaith partners, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon stands by a set of basic principles. They include human rights and environmental stewardship, which, taken together, affirm that everyone has the sacred right to a safe and healthy environment. While this is a universal human right, and therefore meant to protect every person, we also know that vulnerable populations must be given special consideration in any policy-setting process. Vulnerable populations are more likely to be harmed, and/or they may have more limited resources to ensure their health and safety. Children are vulnerable to methane-gas related illnesses. Low-income communities are also vulnerable. Line Extension Allowances (LEAs) allow Cascade Gas to take advantage of these vulnerable populations. We would like to underscore the following comment in the Stop NW Gas Expansion comment letter regarding the need to eliminate LEAs: "When gas line extensions decline, fewer homes and commercial buildings will contain gas appliances (stoves, water heaters, HVAC, etc.). These gas appliances emit toxic methane pollutants. Leaked methane gas and its combustion byproducts, such as nitrogen dioxide,* are linked to higher incidences of childhood asthma and other respiratory illnesses. *https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/05/people-with-gas-and-propane-stoves-breathe-more-unhealthy-nitrogen-dioxide The Creation Justice Committee of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon has fully endorsed and signed onto the August 4, 2025 comment letter (email) prepared by the Stop NW Gas Expansion Coalition. We refer the Public Utility Commission to that letter below for further information. Respectfully, Rev. Richenda Fairhurst Chair, Creation Justice Committee and Oregon Interfaith Power & Light Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon | ||
| 8/8/2025 12:31:26 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Amelia DuBose Bend, OR ameliadubose137@gmail.com | ||
| 8/8/2025 12:31:31 AM | General Comment | Dear Chair Tawney and Commissioners Perkins and Power, I am a concerned Cascade Natural Gas customer in Oregon, and I care about our state’s energy and climate goals. I’m writing to urge the Commission to hold Cascade Natural Gas accountable for failing to comply with your directive earlier this year to address its Line Extension Allowance policy. This outdated policy encourages the expansion of fossil gas infrastructure, undermining city and state climate commitments by locking in decades of avoidable emissions. Accelerating Cascade’s compliance timeline is a practical step that will help ease the cost-of-living crisis by shifting the cost burden of gas network expansions off existing customers. Furthermore, as more households and businesses move to clean, electric options, continued investment in gas infrastructure will create stranded gas assets, forcing families and businesses to pay for costly, disruptive retrofits later. The Commission has already directed NW Natural and Avista to phase out their Line Extension Allowances. It’s time to do the same with Cascade Natural Gas. Central and Eastern Oregon have abundant clean energy potential, and our rapidly growing communities deserve policies that support an affordable, resilient energy future that works for everyone. Please take action to protect ratepayers and align Cascade’s policies with the city and state climate goals we need to ensure an affordable and liveable future. Thank you, Daniel Altamirano Hernandez Redmond, OR daniel.ivan.altamirano@gmail.com |