Initiative 2066 to protect energy choice certified for November ballot
July 24, 2024
The Secretary of State’s Office has certified I-2066 for the November general election ballot. Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), Let’s Go Washington, the Washington Hospitality Association (WHA) and others celebrated the news, thrilled at the opportunity to protect natural gas as an energy choice at the ballot box.
“When we launched this initiative with only 50 days to collect signatures, we knew the people of Washington opposed the idea of banning natural gas, but the support for this initiative shows just how strongly they feel about protecting natural gas for heating and cooking in their homes and businesses,” said Greg Lane, BIAW Executive Vice President. “Now voters have the chance to protect their natural gas and avoid costly conversions to all-electric by voting Yes on I-2066 in November.”
By state law, supporters needed 324,516 valid signatures from registered Washington voters by July 5 to qualify for the November General Election ballot. Supporters submitted more than 546,000 signatures on July 5 and the Secretary of State certified the initiative this afternoon.
Protecting natural gas as an energy choice
For years BIAW, the Washington Hospitality Association and others have fought off political efforts in the legislature, at the local government level and at the state building code council to end natural gas service for Washington residents and businesses who rely on it.
I-2066 gives Washington voters the freedom to join the 24 other states in America who’ve banned natural gas bans in support of energy choice. It protects reliable, affordable energy choices like natural gas and propane and prohibits gas bans in Washington.
“Washington’s right to use gas for heating and cooking is in danger,” Lane said. “The state and big energy companies have been cutting deals to ban natural gas from all homes and businesses. If they’re successful, households will be forced to spend more than $40,000 to convert from natural gas to electric. I-2066 protects people’s right to use natural gas, giving everyone control over the energy they use in their own homes.”
More than 108,000 Washington businesses, including hotels, restaurants, breweries, stores and others, rely on natural gas for heat, power and cooking.
About I-2066
I-2066 protects natural gas as an energy choice, ensures energy stability and security, and prohibits natural gas bans in Washington.
Signing Initiative 2066 gives voters the power to:
- Stop the state from limiting natural gas service to homes and businesses, like restaurants and breweries.
- Protect natural gas for heating, cooking and more.
- Stop state and local governments, and their agencies, from banning, restricting, or discouraging gas and gas appliances in homes and businesses, like restaurants.
- Make sure gas utilities will continue to provide natural gas to customers who want it.
- Protect people from having to switch to only electric energy.
- Keep the power on when our energy grid is at capacity in super cold or hot weather.
Signing Initiative 2066 does not:
- Force anyone to use natural gas or natural gas appliances.
- Take away energy incentives and rebates for those who choose them.
- Reduce the state’s commitment to addressing climate change.
Supporters
- Building Industry Association of Washington
- Washington Hospitality Association
- Associated General Contractors of Washington
- Washington Aggregates & Concrete Association
- NW Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
- Washington Denturist Association
- Associated Builders & Contractors Western WA Chapter
- Associated Builders & Contractors Inland Pacific Chapter
- Washington REALTORS
- Washington State Tree Fruit Association
More information
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The Building Industry Association of Washington is the voice of the housing industry. The state’s largest trade association with more than 8,200 member companies, BIAW promotes and protects the vitality of the building industry so more Washington families can enjoy the American Dream of owning a home. Learn more at: www.biaw.com