Voters Flatten Washington State Anti-Gas Tactics

On November 5, Americans in Washington state demonstrated their abhorrence for government overreach.  By a roughly 100,000 vote margin, Washington state voters passed Citizen Ballot Initiative No. 2066.  By doing so, they protected energy choice across the state.

NPGA has been working tirelessly with the Pacific Propane Gas Association, the Washington Building Industry Association, and a broad coalition to fight back against the Evergreen State’s efforts to ban and severely limit access to gas hookups and gas appliances through the State Building Codes Council (SBCC).  NPGA has supported state litigation, is plaintiff to a federal litigation against the SBCC, worked to secure over half a million signatures needed get No. 2066 on the ballot, and supported voter education to get it across the finish line.

By securing a majority of “yes” votes on Nov 5, the Washington SBCC, air control agencies, and municipal governments within the state can no longer prohibit, penalize, or even discourage the use of gas across the residential or commercial building sectors. The victory ensures that citizens retain the right to decide for themselves what types of energy best meet their specific needs and unique situations. This has the same impact as “energy choice laws” that the propane industry has worked so hard to get on the books in 26 other states.

And it sends a powerful message to other deep blue states: Your citizens do not want to be told what they can or cannot do when it comes to their appliances and energy sources.  Even-handed emissions calculations, cost, and resilience all play roles in the choices consumers make and they have no interest in the government tipping the scales.  

It is inspiring to see the Washington voter base push back on an ineffective solution proposed by government officials.  While anti-energy choice proponents have vowed to take this result to the courts, NPGA will be there every step to ensure the will of the people prevails. NPGA staff provided a full review of the election results and the impact on the propane industry in a webinar on Nov. 12, 2024. Click here to watch the recording.