There is something about talking to signature-gatherers that people view as similar to catching the plague. But signature-gathering is what dozens of volunteers are doing right now in order to get a proposed city of Eugene measure on the November ballot.

If put on the ballot and passed, the Eugene Clean Energy Fund would place a surcharge of 2% on the gross profits of local big box stores that make more than $1 billion nationally and $500,000 locally, but would exclude basic groceries, medicines, garbage, recycling and healthcare services.

The $15 million a year proponents estimate it would raise would be invested back into the community through four grant areas: 60% into renewable energy and efficiency programs for households, 25% into creating clean energy jobs, 10% into green infrastructure projects and 5% into future innovations.

The clean energy fund would assist renters and homeowners in weatherization improvements, window replacements, and ducting for heating and cooling upgrades, making energy bills more affordable for utility customers. It would fund training and education for electricians; HVAC and heat-pump installers; building energy auditors; and solar, battery and electric vehicle infrastructure maintenance technicians.

Most importantly, the fund would help reduce the city’s carbon footprint within the community in an equitable, social and economic process while transitioning off of polluting fossil fuels and meeting the goals of the city’s Climate Recovery Ordinance.

Signing this petition may be the easiest individual effort you can make to help Eugene fight climate change and to help yourself.

Jim Neu
Eugene