Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Rogue Valley youth release new report detailing efforts for passing Ashland climate policy
Ashland, OR –
Rogue Valley youth from the Ashland Youth for Electrification campaign released a new report today, detailing their experience working to pass the first-of-its-kind ordinance to incentivize new homes to be built 100% electric. The report, titled “The High Schooler’s Guide to Saving the Planet, One City at a Time”, is intended as a tool for youth across the state to use to pass similar policies in their cities.
“This case study was written with the intention of sharing the story of the Ashland Youth for Electrification campaign as well as sharing the hope and encouragement that we have been able to generate as a group throughout this process,” said Norah Doyle, Medford High School Senior and Ashland Youth for Electrification campaign organizer. “I have had the opportunity to speak about this campaign with so many different youth, specifically those in Oregon, and the thing many people need right now is a success story to urge them to continue to fight for our futures.”
The Ashland Youth for Electrification team campaigned for two years, and in February of 2025, the Ashland City Council voted unanimously to pass a policy incentivizing all-electric new home construction. The policy encourages new homes to be built with modern, energy-efficient electric appliances, which both lowers energy bills and reduces building costs. High school aged community organizers who led the campaign to victory have since been invited to share their experiences with other youth across the state.
The report reviews the various tactics the Rogue Climate Action Team used to pass the policy, including lobbying city councilors and growing community support for the campaign. It also discusses the setbacks, challenges, and delays during the campaign, and ways that a group of young people kept up their momentum for two years.
“I hope the success of the Ashland Youth for Electrification Campaign encourages more youth to get involved in activism,” said Asa Oaks, Crater Lake High School Senior and Ashland Youth for Electrification campaign organizer. “I believe that emboldening younger folks to take action strengthens the entire movement. Although it can be intimidating, participating in a climate justice campaign as a teenager is an incredible experience.”
The report is available at this link.
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About Rogue Climate Action Team: Rogue Climate Action Team (RCAT) is a youth-led team focused on making change within their communities by organizing campaigns for climate justice in the Rogue Valley. In February of 2025, they passed a Pollution Fee ordinance in Ashland, Oregon.
About Rogue Climate: Rogue Climate is a Southern Oregon based community organization that organizes for climate justice through stopping new fossil fuels, facilitating youth leadership development, and campaigning for a just transition to clean energy and energy efficiency.
