Gas-powered building equipment fuels poses serious public health risks • Oregon Capital Chronicle

Fifty Years Later: Addressing Pollution from Gas-Fueled Building Equipment in Oregon

Fifty years ago, the first federal emissions standards for vehicles were established.

But the second-largest human-caused source of nitrogen oxide pollution in the state, gas-fueled building equipment, remains almost completely unregulated. 

The Impact of Fossil Fuel Heating Equipment

In Oregon, over half of homes rely on fossil fuels, primarily gas, for various purposes such as heating, water heating, clothes drying and cooking. This equipment emits nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter, benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide – many of the same pollutants found in car exhaust.

While Oregonians are aware of the health risks posed by gasoline cars, the extent of the pollution from fossil-fuel heating equipment is often underestimated, despite its significant impact. A recent report from health, environmental justice and climate groups reveals that fossil fuel equipment in the state’s residences and businesses produces more smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution than Oregon’s power plants.

The Availability of Clean Alternatives

Fortunately, clean alternatives to polluting fossil fuel appliances are available. Heat pump technologies can provide space and water heating in buildings without generating onsite air pollution and can also offer cooling, which gas furnaces don’t provide. 

State and local governments in Oregon have the authority to transition homes and businesses gradually to pollution-free technologies by adopting healthy air standards for HVAC and water heating equipment. Similar standards have already been established in California’s San Francisco Bay Area and are under development in that state.

The Benefits of Implementing Healthy Air Standards

Implementing healthy air standards would significantly improve air quality across Oregon, reducing asthma and other pollution-related health issues and decrease health care costs. The total health cost  of fossil fuel heating equipment amounts to almost $88 million annually, according to a new report by Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, Verde, Oregon Sierra Club and others. When considering climate damages from burning fossil fuels in homes and businesses, along with health costs, the total cost for Oregonians is staggering – approximately $1.1 billion annually.

Communities of color in Oregon bear a disproportionate burden of dirty air from fossil fuel heating equipment. For example, Black Oregonians are exposed to nearly twice the outdoor particulate matter pollution from residential gas furnaces and water heaters compared to white residents. This pollution exacerbates existing hotspots of pollution from other sources like industry, which are more prevalent in communities of color.

The Climate Change Impact

Transitioning to pollution-free HVAC and water heating equipment could significantly reduce emissions contributing to climate change. Fossil fuel combustion in homes and buildings produces more carbon pollution than Oregon’s entire industrial sector. Switching to heat pumps from gas equipment reduces climate pollution from the average Oregon home by 41% in the first year and an impressive 84% over the equipment’s lifetime.

The Path to Achieving Goals

Oregon has set a target to install over half a million heat pumps by 2030 and has joined eight other states in a 2024 agreement to ensure that 65% of residential HVAC and water heater sales are heat pumps by 2030 and 90

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the health risks and environmental impact of gas-fueled building equipment, emphasizing the need for clean alternatives. It also highlights the disproportionate burden of dirty air on communities of color. These issues are directly related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
3. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
4. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
5. Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

Based on the article’s content, the identified targets are directly related to SDG 3, Target 3.9; SDG 7, Target 7.2; SDG 11, Target 11.6; SDG 13, Target 13.2; and SDG 15, Target 15.1.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Number of deaths and illnesses related to hazardous chemicals and air pollution (Target 3.9)
• Share of renewable energy in the energy mix (Target 7.2)
• Adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality (Target 11.6)
• Integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning (Target 13.2)
• Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1)

These indicators can be used to track progress in reducing deaths and illnesses from pollution, increasing the share of renewable energy, improving air quality in cities, integrating climate change measures into policies, and promoting sustainable land use.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: oregoncapitalchronicle.com

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