Initiative to preserve natural gas options gains momentum with 400K signatures
What percentage of Washington Hospitality Association members use natural gas?
According to a member survey by the Washington Hospitality Association, 85% of its food service members use natural gas, considering it essential to running their businesses. This equates to about 8,700 restaurants in the Puget Sound Energy service area.
What is the purpose of initiative I-2066?
Initiative I-2066 aims to protect natural gas services in Washington state by mandating utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers, preventing state approval of rate plans that may terminate gas services, and prohibiting state and local agencies from penalizing gas use23. It also seeks to repeal certain sections of Chapter 351, Laws of 2024, related to electrification planning and gas rebates.
How many signatures has I-2066 gathered so far?
I-2066, an initiative to stop the push to end natural gas use in buildings and homes in Washington, has collected more than 400,000 signatures. Supporters aim to gather a total of 500,000 signatures by the July 5 deadline to secure a spot on the November ballot. The measure would repeal parts of a new state law (HB1589) aimed at reducing carbon emissions.