Oregon’s biggest gas company isn’t as green as it claims

NW Natural promised Oregonians it would embrace renewable natural gas, but years later, the company continues to rely on fossil fuels while selling an image of sustainability.

McKenzie Funk reports for ProPublica.

In short:

• NW Natural launched a campaign to promote renewable natural gas, yet continues to sell as much fossil fuel as before.
• Internal documents reveal the company used public relations strategies to downplay the growing pressure to phase out gas and electrify homes.
• Despite promises, renewable natural gas makes up less than 1% of the company’s supply today.

Key quote:

“The story they’re telling us is simply not possible. What they’re trying to do is to prevent being put out of business.”

— Phil Barnhart, former Oregon state representative

Why this matters:

As the climate crisis deepens, misleading sustainability claims delay real action on reducing fossil fuel dependence, prolonging exposure to harmful emissions. This kind of greenwashing isn't just misleading—it's dangerous. Read more: Hog waste-to-gas: Renewable energy or more hot air?