Milwaukee Discusses Building Decarbonization Strategy and Natural Gas Expansion Ban

Building decarbonization took center stage at the Milwaukie City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, as officials discussed the city's ambitious climate action goals and the challenges ahead. The conversation highlighted the urgency of reducing emissions from the building sector, which accounted for 44% of Milwaukie's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2020.

Council members revisited the December 2022 resolution banning natural gas in new construction, noting significant changes in the regulatory landscape since then. The discussion emphasized the need to achieve net-zero emissions from building energy by 2035, a key target in the city's climate action plan aimed at making Milwaukie a carbon-neutral city by 2045.

The meeting underscored the public health implications of natural gas use, particularly its contribution to air pollution and respiratory issues. Council members pointed out that natural gas is primarily used for heating, cooking, and water heating in residential buildings, raising concerns about indoor air quality.

Legal constraints were also a focal point, with references to the Oregon State Building Codes and a recent Ninth Circuit Court ruling that limits local governments' ability to ban specific fuel types. This ruling has prompted discussions on alternative strategies, such as restricting the expansion of natural gas distribution systems and regulating building emissions rather than energy sources.

The council explored successful regional policies from other Pacific Northwest communities that have effectively addressed building emissions. While some of these policies are still new, they offer potential pathways for Milwaukie to navigate its decarbonization efforts.

As the city moves forward, the council's commitment to building decarbonization remains clear, with ongoing discussions expected to shape future policies and initiatives aimed at achieving the city's climate goals.