100 days to make billion-dollar corporations pay their fair share in Eugene
Local climate, health, housing, labor, and social and racial justice organizations have come together to launch theEugene Clean Energy Fund (ECEF) Initiative. Through a business license fee on the gross profits of Eugene’s wealthiest businesses (think Walmart, Target, etc.), ECEF would fund clean energy, sustainability, and climate resilience projects in Eugene. Based on our coalitions analysis, we estimate that the fund could generated $15 million a year.
Our goal is to bring this initiative to Eugene voters on the November 2026 ballot.
We’ve officially started collective signatures.
Last night, we held a kickoff event where community members, organizers, and local leaders gathered to learn about the initiative and sign the petition. Former Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy was the ceremonial first signer, followed by Eugene City Councilor Mat Keating. We now have 100 days to collect the necessary signatures needed to put ECEF on the ballot.
This initiative is closely modeled after the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), which since its passage in 2018 has generated hundreds of millions of dollars (it exceeded its projected revenue by 500%!) for projects like energy efficiency upgrades in affordable housing, community solar, transportation decarbonization, and green infrastructure.
Built by a coalition
This campaign is the result of deep collaboration across organizations committed to environmental justice and community resilience. We’ve developed and launched this initiative alongside Beyond Toxics, Oregon Sierra Club, Oregon Just Transition Alliance, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Just Solutions, and others.
Read the full petition language here.
How you can help
Please help support this grassroots campaign to make billion-dollar businesses pay their share, so that we can forge a just and livable future for our community.
Visit the ECEF website to learn more.
Endorse the initiative here.
Contact info@eugenecleanenergyfund.org to volunteer.
Image Credit: Robert Scherle.
