Eugene, OR, will become the first city in the state to ban natural gas infrastructure in new low-rise residential construction. The ordinance will require developers to use electric appliances and power in new buildings that are three stories or less. However, this will not affect existing buildings. 

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has set a goal to construct 36,000 new residences in the state this year. However, Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis, during a recent hearing said, “we do not want these houses with natural gas hookups, and we can lead the way in the city of Eugene to say this is how it’s done.”

Eugene Councilor Mike Clark, one of eight city council members, raised concerns on how the ban would affect the city’s development, as many homebuyers want to use natural gas for heating...