Washington State Voters Pass Initiative to Protect Natural Gas Stoves

Voters in Washington state approved a referendum known as Initiative 2066 that would block state and local governments from restricting access to natural gas stoves and appliances, an effort by environmental groups.

of seattle times reported:

Washington voters approved Initiative 2066. This is a measure that explicitly protects access to natural gas in Washington and weakens building codes that make it more difficult and expensive to add natural gas heating in new construction.

The initiative marks a moment in which the state, long known for its progressive climate policies, is taking a step in a different direction. The bill is a major blow to the state's long-term plans to reduce its dependence on climate-warming fossil fuels, and Washington state has now passed similar legislation banning local natural gas bans. joins dozens of other states.

As of Friday, about 51.4% of ballots were in favor of Initiative 2066, giving it a lead of about 90,000 votes. The Seattle Times called the contest. But this may not be the end of the fight, as opponents are preparing legal challenges they intend to file after the election is certified.

In 2023, New York state became the first state in the nation to ban the use of natural gas in new buildings. A similar ban in Berkeley, California, was struck down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit as preempting state and federal authorities.