A report released September 23 by the Sierra Club and Breach Collective takes aim at NW Natural’s use of Oregon’s Senate Bill 98, a law the utility reportedly authored and supported. According to the report, NW Natural has directed over $60 million in ratepayer funds toward biomethane sourced outside Oregon, a move the groups say amounts to greenwashing fossil gas rather than meaningfully reducing emissions.
The report argues that the biomethane purchases under SB 98 are driving pollution and failing to advance Oregon’s climate goals. It criticizes the program for shifting costs onto ratepayers while the utility continues to expand its fossil gas infrastructure. The findings suggest that the law, as implemented, rewards superficial environmental claims without delivering the deep emissions cuts the state needs.
Because this is the only source available, the article reflects the report’s claims as presented by CleanTechnica; no independent verification or contrasting statements from NW Natural are included here.