Mailers were sent recently to users of NW Natural Gas encouraging enrollment in Smart Energy (the capture of methane from cow manure). I advise customers not to be seduced by the company’s rhetoric. Research will reveal that, contrary to the tranquil pastoral scene depicted on the mailer, the cows used in the process are confined to cement stalls.
Bio energy production is one of the fastest growing alternative energy sources. Increasing numbers of farmers are investing in these projects, including some close to home.
Using alternative energy sources is undeniably necessary and progressive but to abandon animal welfare would be unconscionably regressive.
For struggling farmers who are now farming sustainably, the prospect of partnering with a biogas company for economic gain would be a temptation. But this would mean the abandonment of humane farming for a factory farm based system. I urge NW Natural Gas customers to consider these facts before enrolling in Smart Energy.
Diane Johnson
Eugene
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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