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Transition from fossil fuels is here

As anyone paying attention will have realized, we are on the brink of a clean energy transition. The transition away from fossil fuels is here, especially in Oregon, where electricity production will be 100% clean by 2040 and incentives for electrification are abundant.

No longer should fossil fuels be considered the norm, or even acceptable when alternatives exist. Unfortunately, we are not there yet so it’s time for everyone, from individuals to city councils to the energy industry to recognize and accept our role in addressing the climate crisis by reducing emissions wherever we can; however, small or inconsequential those emissions may seem to be on a global scale.

The International Energy Agency reported earlier this year that 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions result from the energy sector and that fossil fuels continue to represent 80 percent of the total energy supply. We should all commit ourselves, our communities, and our businesses to stepping up to the plate and doing our share.

For this reason, climate conscious Southern Oregonians (which should be all of us since we live on the front lines) applaud the Ashland youths in their effort to curtail emissions from new residential construction in Ashland. Let’s encourage the Ashland City Council to approve the proposal that would prevent the climate toxic and human health hazard methane (natural) gas from being installed in new residential construction in the city. This sensible move serves as a role model for other communities across the Rogue Valley, Oregon and the nation.

Trisha Vigil / Medford