November 5, 2025 Oregon Building Codes Division 1535 Edgewater Street NW Salem, OR 97304 Re: Section N1105.8 (Heat Pump Requirement) in the 2026 Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Chapter 11 – Energy Efficiency To BCD Staff and Members of the Committee: Thank you for the opportunity last week to comment on the 2026 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Chapter 11. I am writing to further express concern with Section N1105.8, which would mandate that any new dwelling with

The Seattle Times editorial “Natural gas still crucial to the WA grid; utilities” discusses the pressures on hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest. While solar, wind, and batteries are expanding, they are not yet enough to satisfy the growing electricity needs. The article states that natural gas supplies nearly 20% of Washington’s electricity and should serve as a “bridge” fuel while industry and regulators collaborate to ensure coordinated supply. It emphasizes the i

Earlier this month in Portland, industry professionals, utility executives and policy-makers gathered for the Regional Energy Symposium , co-hosted by the Northwest Gas Association (NWGA), the Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee (PNUCC), Public Generating Pool (PGP) and the Western Power Pool (WPP) to confront one of the region’s most pressing energy questions: how do gas and electric systems coordinate to deliver a clean, reliable and affordable future? The answ

NWGA members have consistently supported thoughtful decarbonization that protects affordability and reliability and have already begun introducing Renewable Natural Gas and hydrogen into their systems. In today’s shifting energy landscape, regulators in the Pacific Northwest face increasing pressure to use utility policies as a tool for decarbonization, even at the expense of reliability and affordability. Some jurisdictions in the region have already begun to eliminate natur

The Pacific Northwest is at a critical energy juncture. As demand for electricity surges—driven by electrification, rapid growth in data...

As an essential component of the world’s transition to decarbonized energy sources, hydrogen is emerging as a crucial alternative fuel...

Media Contact D. Scott Peterson peterson@libertystarstrategies.com 503.236.8776 Portland, OR – The Northwest Gas Association (NWGA) is...

NW Gas Association likes to share research by independent organizations from around the world that highlight trends and innovations...

As the Pacific Northwest accelerates toward a low-carbon future, policymakers and planners face a growing tension: how to balance...

By: Camilo Amezquita , Vice President and General Manager, Williams Northwest Pipeline Larry Bekkedahl , Senior Vice President,...

Natural gas played a vital role in maintaining electricity supply during extreme cold snaps. The January 2024 cold snap exposed critical vulnerabilities in the Western energy system when natural gas derates coincided with load shedding, demonstrating that reliable electric service during extreme weather increasingly depends on planning that traditional siloed forecasting methods fail to address.

NWGA's comments to ODOE are intended to enhance the OES process and to contribute to a comprehensive, responsible, and sustainable energy strategy for Oregon’s future.

The push toward a fully electrified, zero-emissions future is firmly established in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. The region...

The Crucial Role of Natural Gas in Supporting the AI-Driven Economy The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is rapidly reshaping the...

March 15, 2025 Washington State Building Code Council ATTN: Council Members via sbcc@des.wa.gov 1500 Jefferson Street SE P.O. Box 41449...

On February 18, 2025, the Ashland City Council unanimously approved an ordinance imposing impact fees on the installation of natural gas...

The Northwest Gas Association regularly promotes emerging technologies that use natural gas to advance energy efficiency and regional...

Letter to Ashland City Council on Ord. 3254 - a 100% tax on natural gas appliances disguised as an "impact fee" in new residential builds.

Renewable natural gas (RNG) is emerging as a transformative energy source with the potential to drive sustainability and reduce...

December 1, 2024 Washington State Building Code Council ATTN: Council Members 1500 Jefferson Street SE P.O. Box 41449 Olympia WA 98504...

The PNW has been the forefront of new energy policies and environmental practices. The conversation, however, is clouded by misinformation.

The Outlook serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, industry professionals, and others in making informed decisions.

July 10, 2024 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) ATTN: Nicole Singh at nicole.singh@deq.state.or.us RE: NWGA Comments on...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact Dan Kirschner, Executive Director Northwest Gas Association dkirschner@nwga.org (WEST LINN, Ore.)...