Eugene and Springfield Chambers of Commerce Release Statement Following Business Survey Findings

The City of Eugene is considering a ban on natural gas and other fossil fuel infrastructure in
newly constructed local buildings.

Recognizing the significant impact this could have immediately and in the future for local
businesses, the Eugene and Springfield Chambers of Commerce together developed and
administered a survey of their members to measure business community sentiment on these
issues and the impacts such policies could have on local organizations, jobs, and families.
The 24-question survey contained three parts- demographic questions, questions gauging
awareness of local policy efforts, and questions relating to businesses current natural gas use
and policy preferences. More than 235 local businesses responded to the survey.

Overwhelmingly, respondents opposed local government mandating a ban on natural gas in
new buildings while 22% indicated they would relocate their business if such a ban went into
place. Preliminary estimates suggest this relocation could represent as many as 1000 local jobs.
Over 90% of respondents shared they believe a decision on the prohibition of natural gas in new
homes and commercial buildings should be left to voters, not the Eugene City Council.
More than three-quarters of respondents believe that any carbon reduction-related mandates
should be taken at a state or federal level.

“To date we have not seen local economic data or a robust outreach effort from the City of
Eugene to better understand how these policies will impact our local businesses and
employees. Sweeping policy decisions such as these should come with a “triple-bottom-line”
analysis, weighing environmental, social, and economic data. We appreciate the City Council
agreeing to do more outreach to businesses this fall, and we hope Council will take seriously the
concerns and feedback from locally owned and operated businesses in their decisions. Much
more information is needed. This is just a start.” says Brittany Quick-Warner, President and
CEO of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce.

Vonnie Mikkelsen, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO added, “The survey is a sobering reminder that employers, namely small and locally owned businesses, are gravely concerned about the implications of such policy that will limit their ability to operate here locally or remain competitive in other markets. Our community would be better served by tackling the problems we face together, in dialogue, with transparency, knowing that where business goes, so goes our community.”

These survey results illuminate the potential, significant economic impacts of these policy
decisions and pose important questions for the City of Eugene and City Council as they
consider energy and consumer options within a balanced decarbonization strategy.

Read a full breakdown of survey results at the link below