OLYMPIA, Wash. — Early returns show Washington state voters are split on Initiative 2066.
Votes to approve I-2066 are at 51% as of 10 p.m. Tuesday, while votes against the initiative are at 49%.
If passed, I-2066 would require utilities to provide natural gas service to any person or business who requests it and bans the Washington Utility and Trade Commission from approving multi-year rate plans that require or incentivize terminating natural gas service.
Supporters, like the Building Industry Association of Washington and the Washington State Hospitality Association, fear a future natural gas ban in the state - and see this initiative as a way to stop that from happening. The Building Industry of Washington says the ban would hike construction costs while the hospitality association says limiting natural gas could impact restaurants and breweries.
Those who oppose I-2066 see the initiative as a way to tether Washington utility customers to an aging and increasingly inefficient energy source for profit.
The initiative would also put a stop to incentives, like government subsidies and rebates, intended to entice customers and developers to electrify their appliances and buildings- which could be a blow to affordable housing projects statewide.
Opponents also see the measure as an obstacle to customers in accessing more energy-efficient, cost-effective power sources, should planning to electrify natural gas utilities be hindered by I-2066.
If passed, I-2066 would go into effect 30 days after the election.