Olympia —The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), Let’s Go Washington, the Washington Hospitality Association (WHA), and other organizations filed the last round of petitions in favor of Initiative 2066 on Friday, July 5. This brings the total number of signatures collected in 50 days to over 546,000.
More than 546,000 signatures were collected, making it the biggest in more than 50 years and the second-highest number for a state initiative.
“I knew Washingtonians were against natural gas bans when we started this initiative 50 days ago, but the support for this initiative has been truly amazing,” BIAW Executive Vice President Greg Lane said. “We are excited that voters will have the opportunity to safeguard natural gas as a viable energy option by passing I-2066 in November.”
To be eligible for the ballot in the November general election, supporters are required by state law to submit 324,516 valid signatures from registered voters in Washington by July 5. If some of the signatures are duplicates or come from non-voters, the Secretary of State’s office suggests adding a “cushion” of 15 to 20%.
According to Brian Heywood of Let’s Go Washington, “Today’s announcement is the result of a strong partnership with Washington’s leading industry associations and the passion of the people of Washington who are tired of politicians in Olympia making their lives more expensive.” “From now on, Initiative 2066 will be up for election in November. Washington will have the best chance to vote yes and save money if it supports the three other measures that are on the ballot.
safeguarding natural gas as a viable energy source
Political attempts to stop the natural gas supply for reliant businesses and citizens of Washington state have been resisted by BIAW, WHA, and other groups in the legislature, local government, and the Washington State Building Code Council.
I-2066 forbids gas bans in Washington and safeguards dependable, reasonably priced energy options including propane and natural gas. Voters in Washington now have the opportunity to join the 24 other states in the US that have outlawed natural gas restrictions in favor of energy choice thanks to I-2066.
Anthony Anton, President and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association, stated that “I-2066 will ensure families and businesses across the state can continue to rely on natural gas as an energy source for their stoves, water heaters, barbecues, furnaces, and fireplaces.” Additionally, it would shield households and companies from having to incur the high cost of switching to all-electric power.
