On July 2, 2024, Anthony Anton, the president of the Washington Hospitality Association, was seen loading a cart with a box containing signed Initiative 2066 petitions. The proposed measure aims to put an end to the state’s campaign to eliminate the use of natural gas in homes and buildings.
Come November, Washingtonians will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on the state’s controversial plan to eliminate the use of natural gas in residential and commercial buildings.
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On Tuesday, supporters of Initiative 2066 submitted over 400,000 signatures in favor of the measure, which aims to overturn the state’s climate-focused policies. The petitions were delivered to the secretary of state’s office in Tumwater, a mere 49 days after the first signatures were collected.
According to sponsors, they submitted a total of 431,063 signatures, which is almost 110,000 more than what was needed to be eligible for the upcoming general election in the fall.
“The main sponsor of the measure, Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, explained that the protection of natural gas usage in homes and businesses is a straightforward matter. This measure safeguards the freedom of every Washingtonian to choose clean energy while also allowing those who have natural gas to retain it.”
Initiative 2066 aims to abolish the provisions of a recent state law that were designed to accelerate Puget Sound Energy’s shift away from natural gas. Additionally, it prohibits cities and counties from banning, punishing, or discouraging “the use of gas for any form of heating, or for uses related to any appliance or equipment, in any building.”
Recent changes to Washington’s energy code aimed at promoting the use of electric heat pumps over gas furnaces in newly constructed buildings would be rendered ineffective by the proposed measure.
According to its critics, the measure would compel the state to step back from numerous fronts in its battle against climate change and efforts to achieve sustainable energy.
Caitlin Krenn, who is the director of climate and clean energy at Washington Conservation Action, expressed concerns over the potential effects of I-2066. She stated that this proposal would eliminate the freedom of communities to choose and also put rebate programs that assist families and small business owners in affording building upgrades at risk. She added that this measure would also lead to the repeal of sensible regulations that make homes and workplaces more energy-efficient and promote healthier environments. Additionally, it would erode the safeguards for clean air.
She pointed out that the implementation of this measure will eventually result in increased energy expenses for the hardworking people of Washington.
Puget Sound Energy expressed deep concern over the ongoing spread of misinformation regarding natural gas, as stated in their official statement.
The utility company states that there is no restriction on the use of natural gas. According to their statement, PSE is responsible for providing natural gas to any customer who requires it.
According to a statement released, House Bill 1589 – the law that is under the radar of the ballot measure – has no impact on PSE or its customers. Therefore, the provisions outlined in I-2066 would not affect them. PSE has provided details about HB 1589 on its website for anyone interested in learning more.
In contrast to the views expressed by others, Lane held a different opinion. He firmly believed that the primary objective behind a particular section of the law is to bring about electrification throughout the state. Even though some may differ in their opinion, Lane remained steadfast in his stance, stating that he thinks they are mistaken.
According to Gregg Small, the executive director of the environmental organization Climate Solutions, the proposed measure “would significantly hinder our progress towards a cleaner energy future that is cost-effective.”
According to him, effective planning is essential in ensuring that the utility bills of current gas customers remain low during the state’s shift towards alternative energy sources for heating homes. He also mentioned that the initiative to revoke some regulations will lead to an increase in costs for ratepayers and have adverse effects on our health by prolonging our dependence on burning polluting gas in our residences and structures.
The home building industry’s primary advocacy group in Washington state, BIAW, created the measure and collaborated with other organizations, such as the Washington Hospitality Association, Washington Realtors, and Associated General Contractors, to garner support. BIAW established a political committee called “Main Street Matters to Washington” to assist in getting the measure on the ballot and securing its passage.
The signature-gathering effort for three Republican-backed measures that are already scheduled for the November ballot was carried out by Let’s Go Washington.
Since the signing of the first I-2066 petitions on May 15, the group has managed to gather approximately $2.2 million in donations. The major contributors include Main Street Matters to Washington, which donated $750,000, and BIAW, which donated $500,000. The Public Disclosure Commission reports confirm that these two organizations are the largest donors. It is worth noting that Brian Heywood, the millionaire founder of Let’s Go Washington, has not contributed to the cause.
Initiative 2066 will take the lead on the ballot, followed by other measures that suggest eliminating the state’s cap-and-trade system, putting an end to the capital gains tax, and making the long-term care program optional.
Lane stated on Tuesday that he was unsure if BIAW would run a distinct campaign or collaborate with Let’s Go Washington in persuading voters to approve all four initiatives.
He stated that he did not have any idea yet and would have to take a look at it. He emphasized that they had been entirely focused on getting this one qualified and would need to see what it means for this one.
