In an effort to halt the state’s transition away from natural gas, builders in Washington have launched an initiative to block local and state efforts to phase out the use of natural gas in homes and buildings. The initiative, known as Initiative 2066, is sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Washington and seeks to repeal provisions of a new state law aimed at accelerating Puget Sound Energy’s move away from natural gas.
The initiative also aims to prohibit cities and counties from penalizing or discouraging the use of gas for heating or any other appliance-related purposes in buildings. Additionally, it would nullify recent changes to Washington’s energy code that promote the installation of electric heat pumps in newly constructed houses, apartments, and commercial buildings. The measure explicitly states that the state code may not impede the use of gas for heating or any other appliance-related use in any building.
To get Initiative 2066 on this year’s ballot, supporters must gather thousands of signatures by July 5. At least 324,516 registered voter signatures must be submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office, with a recommended target of 405,000 signatures to account for any potential invalid signatures.
If successful, voters in November will have the opportunity to weigh in on the state’s regulations and laws regarding the shift away from natural gas toward technologies like heat pumps in new developments. The changes to the energy code, which incentivize builders to choose electric heat pumps over natural gas furnaces, have been praised by supporters as crucial for reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency in buildings. However, opponents argue that these changes will lead to higher costs for builders, homebuyers, and renters.
Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, has submitted three initiatives of his own to repeal the law allowing Puget Sound Energy to transition away from natural gas. While those initiatives remain in consideration, Walsh has expressed support for the Building Industry Association of Washington’s measure. The language of the initiative has been settled by Superior Court Judge Allyson Zipp after a challenge by environmental groups who proposed alternative wording.
The battle over Washington’s natural gas phase-out continues as builders and supporters of Initiative 2066 aim to protect the use of natural gas in homes and buildings, advocating for a more balanced approach that does not favor heat pumps over natural gas.