STATE OF WASHINGTON – Preliminary election results indicate that 51% of voters support Initiative Measure No. 2066, while 49% vote against it.

Initiative Measure No. 2066, also known as the Natural Gas Policies Measures, would prohibit state and local governments from restricting access to natural gas and prohibit the State Building Code Council from discouraging or penalizing the use of natural gas in buildings.

I-2066 is sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Washington and supported by Let's Go Washington and the Washington Hospitality Association.

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The initiative was passed in response to House Bill 1589, which passed during the 2024 legislative session. HB 1589 is aimed, in part, at reducing carbon emissions, which includes planning requirements.

The results of a Pulse of Washington poll in late October suggested the initiative was a little closer than the others: 38% of respondents planned to vote no and keep natural gas as an option, with incentives for consumers, locally and to stay in the job and switch to clean energy suppliers.

SEE ALSO: Initiative 2066 Divides Washington Over Natural Gas, Electrification Laws

“The initiative could have an impact on public utility taxes collected,” the Secretary of State’s Washington office wrote. “Treasury cannot determine how many customers would use natural gas or how long it would take for utilities to offer it to all users in their service area; therefore, the overall impact on the state’s public utility tax revenues is undetermined.”

If approved by voters, the initiative would take effect on December 5th.