Initiative 2066 campaign delivers 431,063 signatures
July 3, 2024
OLYMPIA…The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), Let’s Go Washington, the Washington Hospitality Association (WHA) and others today announced the Initiative 2066 campaign had collected 431,000+ signatures in their efforts to qualify the initiative to protect natural gas as an energy choice in Washington.
Initiative 2066 campaign delivers
“We need roughly 325,000 signatures to qualify, and we went out in record time—45 days— and we’ve already collected 431,000 signatures,” said Brian Heywood of Let’s Go Washington. “We’re sending a very clear message to Olympia that we expect you to use common sense and reasonableness when you make laws.”
By state law, supporters must submit 324,516 valid signatures from registered Washington voters by July 5 to qualify. The Secretary of State’s office recommends a “cushion” of 15 to 20% in case some of the signatures collected are duplicates or from non-voters.
The group will submit another round of signatures on the afternoon of July 5.
Protecting natural gas as an energy choice
Over the last several years, BIAW has 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 who rely on it.
I-2066 protects reliable, affordable energy choices like natural gas and propane and prohibits gas bans in Washington. 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.
Independence Day brings Washington closer to energy freedom
“As Washington prepares to celebrate Independence Day, it’s a perfect time to celebrate our right to energy freedom,” said Greg Lane, BIAW’s Executive Vice President. “Builders support energy choice because natural gas provides warmth and comfort to more than a million Washington homes. It’s also the lifeblood of thousands of restaurants and businesses. The people of Washington demand the freedom to use natural gas in their homes. That’s why we’re seeing such strong support.”
“This is a great win today,” said Tod Sakai, President of Sockeye Homes. “I-2066 will continue to push to make sure you have your energy choice.”
Small businesses, hospitality need energy choice and security
Anthony Anton, President and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association, warned his industry has barely recovered from the pandemic shut down and now policy makers are threatening natural gas.
“We lost a lot of restaurants and great places during COVID,” Anton said. “The idea that we would have to be here today to say, please don’t put people through that again, was a little bit shocking, but the community has rallied and said we’re not going to let that happen.”
Time’s running out to return last-minute signatures
People are encouraged to return all signed petitions as soon as possible, even if they’re not completely full. Every signature matters.
Let’s Go Washington has hundreds of signing and petition drop-off locations around the state.
*PLEASE CALL AHEAD: Locations may have turned in their packets already or may have changed hours.
If you can’t find a place to return your initiative, please contact Let’s Go Washington!