ARTICLE
On April 16th, HBA and several members testified in front of Oregon’s Public Utilities Commission in favor of a proposal that will preserve the industry-important Line-Extension Allowance (LEA) tool, while also working to decarbonize our energy grid. We spoke in support the collaborative proposal filed by NW Natural to reform and retain the residential LEA program, which acts as a reimbursement credit to builders for the installation of natural gas infrastructure. What’s unique about this proposal is that it works to balance the public desire to reduce overall energy consumption while ensuring that homebuilders and buyers continue to have access to preferred and varied energy choices, including natural gas. Our testimony can be read here. A special thank you to the members who testified in favor of this plan including HBA’s Board Chair Jeremy Osterholm of Osterholm Construction, Max Bondar of David Weekley Homes, Justin Wood of Fish Construction, Mike Erdmann CEO of HBA of Marion and Polk Counties, and HBA’s Government Affairs Director Preston Korst.