Bend may institute a new fee to help the city achieve more climate goals. Increasing incentives for people to go green, do more outreach and planning, and hire more staff — come with a need for money.

Nothing has been formally proposed. But Bend City Councilors and the city’s Environment and Climate Committee have been talking about two things: a grant program and dedicated funding to do that and more.

What might the green fee be?

One idea that has been mentioned is a new construction pollution fee. The city could create a permit fee for buildings that choose to connect and install natural gas appliances that is based on expected gas use and the cost of carbon.

It’s difficult to judge the fairness of that proposal without some numbers attached to the concept. We haven’t seen any numbers. For now, you can tell councilors what you think of the concept. Email them at council@bendoregon.gov.