CUB Supports the Eugene Clean Energy Fund

Posted on June 29, 2026 by Cassie Allen
Tags, General Interest, Energy

Eugene Clean Energy Fund Campaign Graphic

In Eugene, community organizations are trying a new approach to reaching local climate goals: passing the Eugene Clean Energy Fund (ECEF). Activist and grassroots organizations have come together to launch a ballot initiative campaign. If passed, the ballot measure would establish a fee on large corporations to fund local climate actions.

CUB is a strong supporter of local efforts to reduce emissions and address climate change. Activists are currently gathering signatures to put the initiative on the November 2026 ballot.

Eugene’s Initiative: Funding Local Climate Justice Projects

While not a novel concept, taxing corporations is an approach gaining significant traction in addressing climate change. Eugene’s Clean Energy Fund would establish a 2% “Large Retailer License Fee” on the gross profits of corporations earning both more than $1 billion in profits annually in the United States and over $500,000 in profits within the City of Eugene.

The funds created by the initiative would fund four major categories of climate justice projects:

Renewable energy & energy efficiency programs (60%)
Clean energy jobs training, apprenticeships, & contractor support (25%)
Green infrastructure programs that result in carbon gas sequestration (10%)
Future innovation (5%)

A committee of appointed City residents would be responsible for allocating the revenue generated by the fee on clean energy, sustainability, and climate resiliency projects across Eugene. Non-profits and other IRS tax-exempt organizations will be able to apply for the funds to realize these projects.

“It is time to hold billion-dollar corporations accountable. Our community is already experiencing deepening impacts from the climate crisis, alongside a housing and affordability crisis. We need to invest in real solutions now. The Eugene Clean Energy Fund will take two percent of massive corporations’ profits and invest that money into clean energy, community resiliency, and sustainability projects, which will create jobs and help build a better future for our City.”
—Aya Cockram, Eugene Community Member and Chief Initiative Petitioner

Leading the initiative is a coalition of environmental and climate justice organizations, including Beyond Toxics, Sierra Club, Oregon Just Transition Alliance, Breach Collective, and more. CUB supports Eugene’s efforts to increase energy efficiency efforts for households and to create funding support to meet local climate goals.

Eugene is Falling Short of Local Climate Goals

In addition to Oregon’s state climate goals, Eugene established its own benchmark for reducing emissions at the local level. The City Council adopted the Climate Recovery Ordinance (CRO) in 2014, setting the goal of reducing community fossil fuel use by 50% of 2010 levels by 2030.

According to the Eugene Clean Energy Fund initiative, community fossil fuel emissions have decreased by only 11% since 2010, leaving a 39% gap to close by 2030.

Drawing Inspiration from the Portland Clean Energy Fund

Eugene’s approach might sound familiar to Portlanders. This initiative is directly modeled after the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF). Passed by voters in 2018, PCEF is a 1% surcharge on Portland’s largest retailers. The funds are distributed as investments in community-led projects to reduce carbon emissions, making Portland more resilient to climate change. PCEF has generated $1.71 billion in funding for climate programs since its inception.

Similar Local Climate Initiatives

Throughout Oregon, cities and towns are taking matters into their own hands to fight climate change, protecting residents from climate impacts in the long term. Eugene’s efforts to work towards emissions reduction draw similarities to campaigns in Ashland and Bend.

In February 2025, the city of Ashland became the first city in Oregon to impose a fee on new natural gas hookups. Despite public support, the fee faced legal challenges and pushback from Avista, Ashland’s natural gas provider.

Eugene was poised to become the first in Oregon to require 100% electric appliances in new home construction. But strong pushback from NW Natural, including a signature-gathering campaign and legal challenges, forced Eugene’s city council to back down from the efforts.

Earlier this month, Bend joined Ashland in adopting a fee on natural gas appliances in some new residential construction. The Bend Climate Impact Fee places a one-time fee on new homes built with natural gas. The fee is based on the size of the home and its anticipated energy use. Developers who build with modern, all-electric systems avoid this charge entirely.

CUB has expressed mounting concern that continuing to grow the natural gas system comes with too much financial risk to current and future Oregonians. Adding gas service to new buildings increases costs to existing customers and adds additional risk in the future.

CUB Supports Local Initiatives

At CUB, we believe in a just transition to clean, affordable energy. The Eugene Clean Energy Fund will help move the city towards that goal. CUB has officially endorsed the initiative and encourages other organizations to support these local efforts.

Folks who would like to get involved can reach out to the Eugene Clean Energy Fund directly for volunteer opportunities!

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