The Urgency of Small Town Climate Action
Small towns are doing big things when it comes to sustainability. In places like Cascade Locks, Oregon, community-led climate projects are transforming not just landscapes, but local economies too. While the national spotlight often shines on major cities pushing green agendas, it's the smaller communities, less resourced but deeply connected, that are quietly making the most meaningful impact.
Cascade Locks, nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, is a town that thrives on its proximity to nature. With tourism as a major economic driver, the town welcomes hikers, cyclists, and road-trippers looking to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. But until recently, one key piece was missing for the growing number of eco-conscious travelers: access to electric vehicle (EV) fast charging.
A Case Study in Action: Thunder Island Brewing Company
Charli Charging saw an opportunity to change that. Their latest installation at Thunder Island Brewing Co. is more than just a business move, but a statement. By bringing four DC fast chargers, including Tesla-compatible ports, to this iconic local brewery, they’re supporting both the community and the climate. These aren’t your everyday chargers either. They are powerful, efficient, and designed for both locals and travelers to plug in and power up without delay.
This project responds to real need. Hood River County has the second-highest share of EV miles driven in Oregon, yet charging options remain limited throughout the Gorge. Cascade Locks itself only had two public chargers prior to this installation. Residents and visitors alike have long felt the gap, and this project helps close it.
Closing the Charging Gap
But what makes this especially exciting is the larger message it sends. Small towns are often overlooked in conversations about clean energy infrastructure. There's a perception that sustainable progress is reserved for urban centers with bigger budgets and larger populations. Cascade Locks is flipping that script.
With this project, the town demonstrates how thoughtful, strategic partnerships can bring real change to rural communities. It shows that sustainability isn’t just about lofty environmental goals, but about investing in the infrastructure that makes green living possible for everyone, regardless of ZIP code. And when that investment also supports tourism, boosts local business visibility, and enhances the visitor experience? That’s a win across the board.
The Thunder Island installation stands as a model for what’s possible when innovation meets community. Positioned in a high-traffic, scenic location, the chargers will serve thousands of EV drivers passing through the Gorge. Tesla drivers won’t need adapters, making it even more accessible. As a result, the brewery benefits from increased foot traffic and the town strengthens its position as a climate-conscious destination.
Bring EV Charging to Your Community
It also highlights the power of leading by example. Charli Charging is not just building chargers, we’re building a network of trust, access, and readiness. Our work is an invitation to other small towns: climate action can start with one project, one partner, one site.
If you live in or manage a small town like Cascade Locks and are ready to explore how EV infrastructure can benefit your local economy, now is the time. Cascade Locks is proving that meaningful sustainability doesn’t have to wait for a big city budget. It starts with leadership and a vision, and the courage to act.
Ready to bring EV charging to your community? Charli Charging is here to help you lead the way. Contact Charli Charging today.
