Washington state voters approve ballot initiative preventing state and local authorities from banning natural gas use

11/15/2024 / By Laura Harris

Voters in Washington state have approved Initiative 2066 (I-2066), which preserves access to natural gas for homes and businesses across the state with minimal government intervention. This bans state and local governments from ever restricting access to natural gas.

According to the office of the Secretary of State of Washington, 51.64 percent of the 3.4 million people who cast their ballots in the state voted in favor of the initiative.

I-2066 also prevents the State Building Code Council from discouraging natural gas use in new construction. Additionally, I-2066 prohibits the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission from approving rate plans that would end natural gas services or make them prohibitively expensive.

The measure was proposed as a response to the 2024 Washington Decarbonization Act, a law that regulates Puget Sound Energy (PSE), the largest natural gas provider in Washington. The act does not outright ban natural gas but requires PSE to submit plans for reducing emissions and transitioning to electricity.

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the Decarbonization Act will also prohibit PSE from offering rebates or incentives for gas appliances. Instead, it would educate customers on energy-efficient electric alternatives. (Related: Washington State Democrats move to ban natural gas in new residential and commercial buildings.)

With its passage, I-2066 is expected to take effect in December.

BIAW celebrates the passage of I-2066

Opponents of I-2066 argued that it threatens the climate goals of the state, which would result in higher costs for consumers.

So-called “environmental advocates” warn that I-2066 would roll back key elements of the Decarbonization Act. I-2066 also faces criticism for potentially undermining fire safety codes and the authority of the local government to tailor energy policies for community needs.

“Initiative Measure No. 2066 would prohibit PSE rate plans that restrict access to gas service and any planning requirements that render gas service cost-prohibitive,” the office of Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson wrote in July. “It would allow PSE to offer rebates to purchase natural gas appliances or equipment and PSE would not be required to educate customers about the benefits of electrification or the availability of rebates for energy efficient appliances. It would also remove requirements that PSE target certain areas for electrification and coordinate with local utilities to further electrification.”

“The measure would also require gas utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to customers who demand it, even if other energy services or energy sources are available,” the attorney general’s office continued. “It would further prohibit local governments, air pollution control agencies, and the State Building Code Council from prohibiting, penalizing or discouraging the use of gas.”

However, the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), the principal funder of the ballot initiative, argued that passing I-2066 gives Washingtonians the freedom to choose how their energy needs will be met.

“Given the voting trends, it’s clear that Initiative 2066 has been approved by Washington voters,” Greg Lane, the executive vice president of BIAW, said on Nov. 7. “Their message couldn’t be more clear: Washington families and businesses support keeping natural gas service and they demand to have energy choice.”

Get more updates about the energy crisis at NewEnergyReport.com.

Watch this clip from Fox Business featuring former Energy Secretary Rick Perry discussing how natural gas bans are ways for Democrats “to control your life.”

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