Backers of an initiative to stop the state’s push to end natural gas use in buildings and homes say it has collected enough signatures to get their measure on the November ballot.
I-2066 is sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Washington and supported by Let's Go Washington and the Washington Hospitality Association. All three groups gathered at a news conference at a Redmond grocer Tuesday to announce their signature tally before heading to Tumwater to turn in the signed petitions.
The group started collecting signatures just 45 days ago. The measure would repeal part of a new state law that transitions the state's largest energy provider, Puget Sound Energy, to transition away from natural gas. "We are not into politics. We just want to get it out there. We want a choice, I don't care if it's democrats and republicans," said Nath, "We have to have a choice."
"PSE is deeply concerned about the misinformation that continues to be spread about natural gas. There is no ban on natural gas. PSE has an obligation to serve any customer who wants natural gas. HB 1589 did not change that, so those provisions in I-2066 would not affect PSE or our customers.