Signatures show support for initiative to stop ban on natural gas
Initiative 2066, and the more than 546,000 Washingtonians who signed in support, sends a very strong message to Olympia that energy choice and housing affordability are top priorities among the people of this great state.
I-2066 received the most signatures for a ballot initiative in over 50 years, and the second most in state history. This tremendous result showcases how Washington voters were able to unite behind preserving energy choice.
This initiative preserves energy choice for consumers while also prohibiting any future attempts to ban natural gas. This is a crucial and timely initiative, especially considering that the early forms of House Bill 1589 sought to bring a premature ban on natural gas for Puget Sound Energy customers. This initiative was important not only to the building industry, but also to the hospitality industry and natural gas consumers at large. It is ultimately the consumer who benefits the most from this initiative, as they are the ones who ultimately foot the bill for costly regulations. At a time when housing is downright unaffordable for most of the population, lawmakers should be focusing on easing the affordability crisis instead of making it worse.
At its core, this initiative preserves the freedom of Washington residents to choose. It does not force people to use natural gas, nor does it take away incentives or rebates for other energy sources. The cost to convert from natural gas to electricity can be extreme, and this initiative aims to prevent the levying of an unfair cost burden onto homeowners who cannot afford it.
The Kitsap Building Association is proud to have been a vital partner in the signature gathering effort throughout Kitsap. We are pleased to have helped provide an opportunity for Washington voters to vote yes and preserve energy choice.
Ian Harkins, Kitsap Building Association
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Signatures show support for initiative to stop ban on natural gas
