Voters show support for slowing Washington's natural gas phase-out

Washington voters on Tuesday were rejecting the state’s aggressive moves to phase out the use of natural gas in homes and other buildings.

A ballot measure that aims to rein in those efforts was passing by a 51.2% to 48.8% margin in a statewide tally. Vote counting will continue in the days ahead.

Initiative 2066 repeals provisions of a new state law meant to hasten Puget Sound Energy’s transition away from natural gas. It also bars cities and counties from prohibiting, penalizing or discouraging the use of gas for heating, appliances and other equipment in buildings.

The measure, which is 21 pages long, requires utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers and prevents approval of utility rate plans that end or restrict access to natural gas, or make it too costly. It also erases state building and energy code requirements designed to get more electric heat pumps – instead of gas furnaces – installed in newly built houses, apartments and commercial buildings.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/11/05/voters-show-support-for-slowing-washingtons-natural-gas-phase-out/