Environment and Climate Committee Meeting - May 14, 2026 11:00 AM

The City of Bend, Oregon Environment and Climate Committee met on May 14, 2026, to discuss various environmental initiatives and updates. Key procurement-related topics included the upcoming adoption of a climate pollution fee ordinance scheduled for June 3, 2026, with the fee implementation set for April 1, 2027. The committee reviewed policy decisions regarding fee exemptions and discounts, particularly for dual fuel heating systems and affordable housing, and discussed annual reporting and fee adjustment mechanisms. Additionally, the committee considered waste reduction and reuse initiatives, including grant-funded projects supporting reusable foodware systems and construction waste management, with plans to form a working group to explore further policy and programmatic options. An update was also provided on a small business assistance grant program allocating $130,000 to support climate-related projects, including electrification efforts. The committee planned to engage in future discussions on incentive packages funded by the climate pollution fee revenue and encouraged participation in upcoming public hearings and workshops related to these initiatives.