In regards to “350 Eugene Protests Pipeline in South Eugene” (EW, 7/19): In the heat of summer, it can be difficult to remember the value of affordably heating your home on the coldest days of winter. But this is why NW Natural is upgrading our system in South Eugene — to ensure that we can reliably service our customers in the area during times of high demand.
We understand that the group 350 Eugene has concerns over the need for this project, and we respect their right to voice their opinions.
Today NW Natural delivers more energy in Oregon than any other utility, yet our customers’ use of natural gas in homes and businesses accounts for 5 percent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Still, we know we can do better. Which is why we’re partnering with the city of Eugene on its Community Climate and Energy Action Plan. We’re also the first natural gas utility in the country to introduce a voluntary carbon savings goal of 30 percent by 2035.
One of the pivotal ways that we’re focused on reducing the carbon intensity of our product is with renewable natural gas. By capturing methane from food or even human waste, we can convert those gasses to pipeline quality for use in our system — one of the nation’s tightest and most modern.
We believe that we all have a shared goal of helping our region move to a low-carbon, renewable-energy future. And we will continue to work with stakeholders, policymakers and our customers to make that goal a reality.
Jon Kloor, community affairs manager, NW Natural
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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