Washington Initiative 2066, Natural Gas Policies Measure (2024)

Washington Initiative 2066
Election date November 5, 2024
Topic Energy
Status a Approved
Type State statute	Origin Citizens

Washington Initiative 2066, the Natural Gas Policies Measure, was on the ballot in Washington as an Initiative to the People, a type of initiated state statute, on November 5, 2024. It was approved.

A "yes" vote supported the following: prohibiting state and local governments from restricting access to natural gas; prohibiting the state building code council from discouraging or penalizing the use of natural gas in any building; requiring gas companies and utility companies, or any cities or towns that provide natural gas, to provide natural gas to any person or corporation even if other energy services or energy sources may be available; and prohibiting the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission from approving any multiyear rate plan requiring or incentivizing a natural gas company or utility company to terminate natural gas service or implementing requirements that would make access to natural gas service cost-prohibitive.

A "no" vote opposed prohibiting laws and policies that would prohibit, restrict, or discourage natural gas usage.

Election results

Washington Initiative 2066
Result		Votes	Percentage
Yes		1,941,474	51.71%
No		1,813,169	48.29%

Results are officially certified.

Source

Aftermath

Climate Solutions, Washington Conservation Action, Front and Centered, King County and the city of Seattle v. Washington

Lawsuit overview
Issue: Whether the initiative violated the state's single subject rule
Court: King County Superior Court
Plaintiff(s): Climate Solutions, Washington Conservation Action, Front and Centered, King County and the city of Seattle	Defendant(s): State of Washington

  Source: Washington State Standard

Plaintiffs filed a lawsuit alleging that the initiative is unconstitutional because it violated the state's single subject rule. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, said, "This Initiative is too broad to be implemented constitutionally. It could affect regulations that protect our air, protect public health, ensure building safety, and respond to the realities of climate change." On March 21, 2025, King County Superior Court Judge Sandra Widlan ruled that the initiative violates the single-subject rule in the constitution. She stated," In summary, I-2066 violates the single subject requirement, the subject and title requirement, and the section-amended-shall-be-set-forth-at-full-length requirement. For these reasons, I-2066 is unconstitutional." In June of 2025, Attorney General Nick Brown and the Building Industry Association of Washington filed an appeal in the case. On September 3, 2025, Chief Justice Debra Stephens stated that the Washington Supreme Court will hear the case instead of the Court of Appeals.

Building Industry Association of Washington v. Washington State Building Code Council

Lawsuit overview
Issue: Whether the State Building Code Council
Court: Thurston County Superior Court
Plaintiff(s): Building Industry Association of Washington	Defendant(s): Washington State Building Code Council

  Source: Washington State Standard

The Building Industry Association of Washington filed a lawsuit seeking to compel the Washington State Building Code Council to implement the initiative. BIAW Executive Vice President Greg Lane said, "Millions of voters have spoken and Initiative 2066 is now law. Above all else, the members of the State Building Code Council have a duty and obligation to follow state law."

Overview

What did the initiative do?

See also: Text of measure

This initiative prohibited state and local governments from restricting access to natural gas and would prohibit the state building code council from prohibiting, discouraging, or penalizing the use of natural gas in any building.

The initiative required gas companies and utility companies, or any cities or towns that provide natural gas, to provide natural gas to any person or corporation even if other energy services or energy sources may be available.

Under the initiative, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission was prohibited from approving any multiyear rate plan requiring or incentivizing a natural gas company or utility company to terminate natural gas service or implementing requirements that would make access to natural gas service cost-prohibitive.

The initiative removed a current provision in state law, added by House Bill 1589 passed by the state legislature in 2024, requiring the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to assess alternatives to current and planned gas infrastructure projects and achieve all cost-effective electrification of end uses currently served by natural gas.

What did supporters and opponents say about the measure?

See also: Support and Opposition

Main Street Matters to Washington, also known as Protect Energy Choice, led the campaign in support of Initiative 2066. The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) sponsors the campaign. Greg Lane, Executive Vice President of the Building Industry Association of Washington, said, "Washington’s right to use gas for heating and cooking is in danger. The state and big energy companies have been cutting deals to ban natural gas from all homes and businesses. If they’re successful, households will be forced to spend more than $40,000 to convert from natural gas to electric. I-2066 protects people’s right to use natural gas, giving everyone control over the energy they use in their own homes."

No on 2066 led the campaign in opposition to the ballot initiative. Caitlin Krenn, Climate and Clean Energy Director for Washington Conservation Action, said, "I-2066 would take away communities’ choice, jeopardize rebate programs that help families and small business owners afford building upgrades, repeal common-sense measures that make homes and workplaces more energy efficient and healthy, and erode clean air protections. Over time this measure will raise energy costs for hardworking Washingtonians."

What is House Bill 1589?

See also: House Bill 1589 (2024)

House Bill 1589 was passed by the state legislature, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. It was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee (D) on March 28. HB 1589 was designed to create programs and requirements to incentivize large combination utility providers serving over 500,000 gas customers (such as Puget Sound Energy, the state's largest utility, with more than 1.2 million electric customers and 900,000 natural gas customers) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer programs and incentives for customers to decarbonize homes and buildings. The bill set a 2027 deadline for utilities to submit plans to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), showing how much it would cost to electrify the state’s power grid. The UTC creates plans for regulations on electric and natural gas consumption consistent with the state’s greenhouse gas emissions goals.

Puget Sound Energy released a statement addressing responses to HB 1589 saying, "HB 1589 does not include a ban on natural gas, and it does not change PSE’s obligation to serve natural gas to our customers. ... Nothing in the bill forces electrification. What it does is requires PSE to develop a scenario demonstrating the costs of electrification that will be part of the integrated system plan we submit to our regulators in 2027."

Text of measure

Ballot title

The ballot title for the measure is below:

“

Initiative Measure No. 2066 concerns regulating energy services, including natural gas and electrification. This measure would repeal or prohibit certain laws and regulations that discourage natural gas use, and/or promote electrification, and require certain utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers. Should this measure be enacted into law?

”

Ballot summary

The ballot summary for the initiative is below:

“

This measure would require utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers, prevent state approval of rate plans requiring or incentivizing gas service termination, restricting access to gas service, or making it cost-prohibitive; and prohibit the state energy code, localities, and air pollution control agencies from penalizing gas use. It would repeal sections of chapter 351, Laws of 2024, including planning requirements for cost-effective electrification and prohibitions on gas rebates and incentives.

”

Full text

The full text of the ballot initiative is below:

Readability score

See also: Ballot measure readability scores, 2024

Using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) formulas, Ballotpedia scored the readability of the ballot title and summary for this measure. Readability scores are designed to indicate the reading difficulty of text. The Flesch-Kincaid formulas account for the number of words, syllables, and sentences in a text; they do not account for the difficulty of the ideas in the text. The attorney general wrote the ballot language for this measure.

The FKGL for the ballot title is grade level 15, and the FRE is 13. The word count for the ballot title is 52.

The FKGL for the ballot summary is grade level 22, and the FRE is 2. The word count for the ballot summary is 75.

Support

Main Street Matters to Washington, also known as Protect Energy Choice, led the campaign in support of Initiative 2066. The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) sponsored the campaign. Tricia Gullion, Senior Legislative Manager for the Building Industry Association of Washington, was listed as the campaign's treasurer.

Let's Go Washington also supported Initiative 2066. Let's Go Washington sponsored six Initiatives to the Legislature, of which the legislature approved three. The remaining three indirect initiatives—Initiative 2109, Initiative 2117, and Initiative 2124—were on the ballot alongside Initiative 2066. Brian Heywood, CEO of Taiyo Pacific Partners, founded Let's Go Washington.

Supporters

Officials

• State Sen. John Braun (R)

Organizations

• Associated General Contractors of Washington
• Building Industry Association of Washington
• Let's Go Washington
• Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
• NW Hearth, Patio, & BBQ Association
• Washington Aggregates & Concrete Association
• Washington Hospitality Association
• Washington Realtors
• Washington State Tree Fruit Association

Individuals

• Brian Heywood - CEO of Taiyo Pacific Partners

Arguments

• Greg Lane, Executive Vice President of the Building Industry Association of Washington: "It is very simple. If you have natural gas, this protects you to be able to keep natural gas in your home or your business. And it protects the freedom of every single Washingtonian to have the clean energy of their choice."
• Brian Heywood: "I think our message is going to be I don’t care what 1589 was trying to do, this thing [I-2066] is going to prevent a ban from happening. And if you’re not going to ban natural gas, then you should be for this, right? This is preemptive strike to say you are not going to ban natural gas or make it so expensive that it’s a de facto ban."

Official arguments

The following was the argument in support of the measure found in the 2024 Voter Pamphlet:

Voter Pamphlet Official Argument: "Vote 'Yes' to Protect Energy Choice and Stop Gas Bans You deserve the choice to use clean and efficient natural gas for heating and cooking. The state and big energy companies are striking deals to ban natural gas service from all homes and businesses. I-2066 protects your ability to use natural gas – giving you control over your energy choices. Gas Bans Hurt Everyone Gas bans will impact everybody, whether you own or rent your home. They drive up energy bills, which is devastating for people with low and fixed incomes. Current law requires homeowners to pay all conversion costs to switch from gas to electric appliances–an average of $40,000/home. Nobody should ever be forced to switch to all-electric appliances. Voting 'Yes' on I-2066 stops forced conversions and lets people choose for themselves whether they want gas or electric appliances at home. Small Businesses Need Natural Gas Thousands of businesses rely on natural gas. Countless restaurants, breweries, cultural cuisines, manufacturers, and others require gas to make the world-class food and products Washington is known for. I-2066 keeps these businesses open, protects jobs, and brings down costs for consumers. Clean Natural Gas Is Safe and Reliable Protect access to heating and cooking when the power goes out. Corporate energy companies have notified customers they will cut electricity when (not if) the electric grid is overloaded, even in the cold, dark winter. Washington needs clean and reliable natural gas to stay warm and cook. Vote 'Yes!'"

Opposition

No on 2066 and Stop Greed registered as committees to oppose Initiative 2066. The campaign provided a full list of endorsements, which is available here.

Opponents

Officials

• U.S. Rep Pramila Jayapal (D)
• U.S. Rep D. Adam Smith (D)
• Olympia City Council

Political Parties

• King County Democrats

Organizations

• American Federation of Teachers Washington
• American Lung Association
• Earthjustice
• Invest in Washington Now
• League of Women Voters of Washington
• MomsRising
• Northwest Progressive Institute
• Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
• Retired Public Employees Council of Washington
• Sierra Club Washington
• Washington AFL-CIO
• Washington Community Alliance
• Washington Education Association
• Washington State Democrats

Arguments

• Caitlin Krenn, Climate and Clean Energy Director for Washington Conservation Action: "I-2066 would take away communities’ choice, jeopardize rebate programs that help families and small business owners afford building upgrades, repeal common-sense measures that make homes and workplaces more energy efficient and healthy, and erode clean air protections. Over time this measure will raise energy costs for hardworking Washingtonians."
• Leah Missik, Acting Washington Director for Climate Solutions: "It’s really about folks who are trying to squeeze out profit at our expense and our health. And it’s really important that we transition to cleaner and healthier energy — we’re on a path to do so —and that we’re very thoughtful about it. And this initiative would repeal policies that would put us on that pathway in a very smart way."
• Defend Washington: "There are a lot of misleading initiatives on the ballot this year… and all of them were put there by this guy, a millionaire hedge fund manager who moved here from California. What do the initiatives do? [They] make critical cuts to education and healthcare programs and put our air and water at risk just to give tax breaks to super rich guys like him. So that’s deep cuts for us, and tax cuts for him and his friends. Don’t let some hedge fund millionaire control our future. Vote NO on all the statewide initiatives on your ballot."
• Leah Missik, the Washington deputy policy director for Climate Solutions: "[Puget Sound Energy is] looking at the electric and gas side of their business in conjunction. It doesn't make sense to view each of those things in a vacuum. [The initiative] also jeopardizes federal funding that Washington could give to people who want to make energy efficient upgrades."

Official arguments

The following was the argument in opposition to the measure found in the 2024 Voter Pamphlet:

Voter Pamphlet Official Argument: "Vote No To Prevent Higher Energy Bills 2066 would mean more expensive energy bills. It would require utility companies to continue investing in outdated technology and aging infrastructure, and the costs would be passed onto families and businesses. Voting 'No' will make energy more affordable, protecting all Washingtonians, including seniors and families living on low incomes. Vote No to Protect Energy Efficiency 2066 would roll back sensible modern standards that make homes and businesses more energy efficient. Efficient buildings lower utility bills and help the power stay on during storms, extreme weather, and increasing heat waves. Voting “No” will lower costs for families, keep people safe,keep homes comfortable, and ensure a reliable power supply. Vote No To Defend Clean Energy and Clean Air 2066 would undermine our path to clean energy and weaken our Clean Air Act, threatening health protections against harmful air pollution. It would prohibit local communities and utility companies from making responsible plans to reduce the use of dirty fossil fuels. The time to start planning is now: Voting 'No' will keep us on the path to cleaner, more affordable energy. Vote No To Put Communities First and Stop Powerful Interest Groups 2066 is part of a nationwide effort by fossil fuel corporations and well funded interest groups who want to make as much money as possible while Washington families pay higher energy bills. Voting 'No' will prevent powerful interests from increasing their profits at our expense. 2066 is bad for Washington."

Media editorials

See also: 2024 ballot measure media endorsements

Support

• Seattle Times Editorial Board: "Reducing greenhouse gas emissions of the more than 1.2 million natural gas customers in Washington will be among the hardest parts of the state’s clean energy transformation. State lawmakers owe it to constituents to carefully craft and thoroughly debate legislation so fundamental to our lives: the way we stay warm, bathe and cook our food. Earlier this year, a slim majority of Democratic lawmakers failed to live up to those expectations. At a time when Washington’s power grid is increasingly under stress, they rushed a flawed but wide-ranging bill giving Puget Sound Energy, the state’s largest utility, new abilities to assess and request rate hikes to advance electrification. The bill passed the House in the wee hours of a March morning — while most Washingtonians were asleep. Initiative 2066 on this fall’s ballot is a course correction, requiring them to slow their roll and rethink their haphazard approach to this momentous transition. Voters should approve the measure."
• The Chronicle Editorial Board: "Our editorial board strongly endorses Initiative 2066, a critical measure on this year’s ballot that will protect natural gas as a viable, affordable energy option for Washingtonians. As our state faces increasing pressure to move toward electrification, I-2066 offers a balanced approach that preserves energy choice for residents and businesses alike, while pushing back against government overreach and costly retrofits. Voting “yes” on I-2066 is a vote to maintain affordability, reliability, and energy freedom in Washington. I-2066 provides a much-needed safeguard against such policies. It ensures that Washingtonians are not forced to abandon natural gas, a vital energy source that is more affordable than electricity and, in many rural areas, more reliable during extreme weather events. Join us in voting “yes” on I-2066 and preserve the right to choose the energy that works best for you, your home and your business."

Opposition

• The Columbian Editorial Board: "This initiative would repeal parts of the Washington Decarbonization Act and amend others. The law, passed this year, limits the use of natural gas in new construction in an effort to reduce carbon emissions. Critics say it is a step toward banning the use of natural gas for heating and cooking throughout the state — an exaggeration of what the law actually does. In truth, state law dictates that natural gas be made available in areas where access already exists. Consumers will continue to have a choice in most areas. Both supporters and opponents of the initiative claim that if the other side wins, utility rates will increase. That points out the convoluted nature of the measure."

Campaign finance

See also: Ballot measure campaign finance, 2024

The campaign finance information on this page reflects the most recent scheduled reports that Ballotpedia has processed, which covered through November 30, 2024.

Main Street Matters to Washington led the campaign in support of the ballot initiative. While the PAC received contributions, the funds were then contributed to the PAC Let's Go Washington, which supported three other initiatives—Initiative 2109, Initiative 2117, and Initiative 2124.

No on 2066 and Defend Washington registered to oppose the ballot initiative. Both PACs were registered to oppose Initiative 2109, Initiative 2117, and Initiative 2124 as well.

When PACs contribute to other PACs, Ballotpedia subtracts the funds from the contributing PAC's finances to avoid double counting funds.

	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions	Cash Expenditures	Total Expenditures
Support	$16,079,551.11	$1,462,857.73	$17,542,408.84	$13,759,352.83	$15,222,210.56
Oppose	$5,293,477.00	$631,341.11	$5,924,818.11	$5,309,278.03	$5,940,619.14
Total	$21,373,028.11	$2,094,198.84	$23,467,226.95	$19,068,630.86	$21,162,829.70

Support

The following table includes contribution and expenditure totals for the committees supporting the initiative.

Committees in support of Initiative 2066
Committee	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions	Cash Expenditures	Total Expenditures
Let's Go Washington	$16,071,240.11	$1,367,857.73	$17,439,097.84	$13,752,922.21	$15,120,779.94
Main Street Matters for Washington	$8,311.00	$95,000.00	$103,311.00	$6,430.62	$101,430.62
Total	$16,079,551.11	$1,462,857.73	$17,542,408.84	$13,759,352.83	$15,222,210.56

Donors

The following were the top donors to the committees:

Donor	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions
Brian Heywood	$5,176,000.00	$1,231,347.40	$6,407,347.40
BIAW Member Services Corporation	$500,000.00	$0.00	$500,000.00
Building Industry Association of Washington Member Services Corporation	$345,000.00	$95,000.00	$440,000.00
Lawrence Hughes	$400,000.00	$0.00	$400,000.00
Kemper Holdings, LLC	$350,000.00	$0.00	$350,000.00

Opposition

The following table includes contribution and expenditure totals for the committees opposing the initiative.

Committees in opposition to Initiative 2066
Committee	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions	Cash Expenditures	Total Expenditures
Defend Washington	$5,219,744.00	$572,028.93	$5,791,772.93	$5,241,042.31	$5,813,071.24
No on 2066	$61,105.00	$58,709.02	$119,814.02	$56,114.20	$114,823.22
Stop Greed	$12,628.00	$603.16	$13,231.16	$12,121.52	$12,724.68
Total	$5,293,477.00	$631,341.11	$5,924,818.11	$5,309,278.03	$5,940,619.14

Donors

The following were the top donors to the committees:

Donor	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions
SEIU 775 Ballot Fund	$1,000,000.00	$0.00	$1,000,000.00
WFSE AFSCME Council 28	$300,000.00	$0.00	$300,000.00
LCV Victory Fund	$250,000.00	$0.00	$250,000.00
WA Conservation Action	$85,000.00	$0.00	$85,000.00
Climate Solutions	$50,000.00	$0.00	$50,000.00
REI	$50,000.00	$0.00	$50,000.00

Polls

See also: 2024 ballot measure polls

Are you aware of a poll on this ballot measure that should be included below? You can share ballot measure polls, along with source links, with us at editor@ballotpedia.org.

Washington Initiative 2066, Natural Gas Policies Measure (2024)
Poll	Dates	Sample size	Margin of error	Support	Oppose	Undecided

Cascade PBS/Elway Poll	10/8/2024-10/12/2024	401 LV	± 5%	51%	28%	20%
	Question: "Initiative 2066 concerns regulating energy services, including natural gas and electrification. This measure would repeal or prohibit certain laws and regulations that discourage natural gas use and/or promote electrification, and require certain utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers. As things stand today, do you intend to vote: Yes - to require local governments and utilities to provide natural gas to eligible customers, No - to allow local governments to continue to discourage natural gas use, or UNDECIDED?"

Cascade PBS/Elway Poll	9/3/2024-9/6/2024	403 RV	± 5%	47%	29%	24%
	Question: "Initiative 2066 concerns regulating energy services, including natural gas and electrification. This measure would repeal or prohibit certain laws and regulations that discourage natural gas use and/or promote electrification, and require certain utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers. As things stand today, how are you inclined to vote?"

Note: LV is likely voters, RV is registered voters, and EV is eligible voters.

Background

State Building Code Council natural gas restrictions

The State Building Code Council established new regulations effective July 2023 that limited the use of natural gas in new and retrofitted commercial buildings. The code prohibited new commercial construction from using natural gas equipment for space or water heat with limited exceptions. The regulations required electric heat pumps for space and water heating. The building code still allowed for natural gas for cooking, fireplaces, and as supplementary energy for electric heat-pump water and space heaters. The codes also require electric connections to be installed near certain natural gas appliances.

House Bill 1589 (2024)

House Bill 1589 was passed by the state legislature with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. It was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee (D) on March 28. Washington is a Democratic trifecta meaning the party holds the governorship and majorities in the state Senate and state House. HB 1589 was designed to create programs and requirements to incentivize large combination utility providers serving over 500,000 gas customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer programs and incentives for customers to decarbonize homes and buildings. The bill set a 2027 deadline for utilities to submit plans to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), showing how much it would cost to electrify the state’s power grid. The UTC creates plans for regulations on electric and natural gas consumption consistent with the state’s greenhouse gas emissions goals.

Puget Sound Energy is the state’s largest utility with more than 1.2 million electric customers and 900,000 natural gas customers. PSE released the following statements concerning HB 1589:

“

HB 1589, passed by the state legislature in March 2024, is a planning bill. It will help PSE, under the supervision of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), thoughtfully plan for the electric and natural gas choices of our customers consistent with our state’s aggressive climate goals. There has been a lot of misinformation about HB 1589 as it changed over the course of two legislative sessions, from when it was first introduced in January 2023 to passage by the legislature in March 2024. HB 1589 does not include a ban on natural gas, and it does not change PSE’s obligation to serve natural gas to our customers. There is no rate increase associated with HB 1589. It’s a planning bill, and there will be three years of rulemaking and work before we submit an integrated system plan to our regulators. That will only be a plan—it will not include a request to increase rates. Nothing in the bill forces electrification. What it does is requires PSE to develop a scenario demonstrating the costs of electrification that will be part of the integrated system plan we submit to our regulators in 2027.

”

Energy sources and usage in Washington

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), hydroelectric power is the largest source of energy in Washington, providing 60% of electricity generation. Natural gas is the second-largest source, contributing 18% of electricity generation in the state. Wind and other non-hydroelectric renewable sources accounted for about 10%, nuclear provided 8%, and coal provided 4%.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) provided the following statistics about natural gas usage in Washington:

“

Washington consumes less natural gas per capita than all but four other states and the District of Columbia; In 2022, three-tenths of the natural gas delivered to consumers was used to generate electricity; The residential sector, where more than one-third of households rely on natural gas as their primary heating fuel, is the second-largest natural gas-consuming sector and typically uses more than one-fourth of the state total; The industrial sector accounts for about one-fourth of the natural gas consumed; and The commercial sector uses almost one-fifth, and the transportation sector uses a small amount as compressed natural gas vehicle fuel.

”

National conflict surrounding natural gas

In July 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the “Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act,” which was designed to prevent the federal government from banning gas stoves. The bill was not passed by U.S. Senate.

In an April 2023 op-ed, U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) wrote, “The U.S. Department of Energy proposed an “energy efficiency standard” for gas cooking products. For those who are unaware, this is a blatant backdoor attempt to ban gas appliances — at least half of gas stove models sold in the United States today would not comply with this regulation.”

A U.S. Department of Energy representative said the department “is not proposing to ban gas cooking products. Congress and a court consent decree require the Department to conduct an energy efficiency rulemaking on gas and electric cooktops by January 2024. When you look past the misleading rhetoric, you’ll see that these proposals are intended for nothing more than increasing energy efficiency and promoting innovation, without sacrificing the reliability and performance that Americans have come to expect.”

New York natural gas restriction

In 2023, New York became the first state to enact a bill restricting natural gas. The bill required new buildings to be constructed with only electric hookups for appliances and utilities beginning in 2025. For buildings with less than seven stories, the requirement was set to be effective in 2026, and effective in 2029 for taller buildings.

Washington carbon and climate-related policy

• 2020: In 2020, the state legislature passed a bill limiting greenhouse gas emissions requiring the state to reduce emissions levels as follows:

• • 2020: reduce to 1990 levels;​
  • ​2030: 45% below 1990 levels;
  • 2040: 70% below 1990 levels; and
  • 2050: 95% below 1990 levels and achieve net zero emissions.

• 2021: The Washington State Legislature passed the Washington Climate Commitment Act (CCA), with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. The law provided for a cap and invest program designed to help the state meet its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 45% below 1990 levels by 2030, 70% below 1990 levels by 2040, and 95% below 1990 levels and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The cap and invest program sets a cap on the total carbon emissions in the state and requires businesses with emissions exceeding 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year (such as fuel suppliers and natural gas and electric utility companies) to obtain allowances equal to their allowed greenhouse gas emissions. The cap and invest program was designed to allow businesses that reduce emissions to sell their remaining carbon emission allowance permits to other companies.

• 2014: In 2014, Washington Governor Jay Inslee (D), who supports carbon tax programs, created the Carbon Emissions Reduction Taskforce (CERT) which was composed of 21 leaders from business, labor, health and public interest organizations and tasked with providing recommendations to the governor on design and implementation of a market-based carbon pollution program. The task force's final report can be read here.

• 2009: The Legislature approved the State Agency Climate Leadership Act, which established greenhouse gas emission limits for state government. The act requires state agencies to track, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy policy ballot measures

See also: Energy on the ballot and List of Washington ballot measures

Ballotpedia has covered 13 ballot measures relating to state and local energy policy in Washington.

1. Washington SJR 120, Energy Conservation Financing Amendment (1979)
2. Washington Referendum 18, Municipal Energy Measure (1934)
3. Washington Initiative 937, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Standards for Electric Utilities Initiative (2006)
4. Washington Initiative 52, Municipal Authority Over Electrical Facilities Measure (1924)
5. Washington Referendum 3, Sale of Surplus Municipal Energy Measure (1924)
6. Washington Bonds for Energy Efficiency Projects, Referendum 52 (2010)
7. Washington HJR 10, Public Energy Production and Development Amendment (1936)
8. Washington HJR 4223, Extension of Energy Conservation Amendment (1988)
9. Washington Initiative 394, Voter Approval for Energy Project Bonds Measure (1981)
10. Washington Modifying Tax Exemption Criteria for Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Advisory Vote 15 (2016)
11. Washington Advisory Vote 19, Non-Binding Question on Oil Spill Tax Repeal (2018)
12. Washington Initiative 2117, Prohibit Carbon Tax Credit Trading and Repeal Carbon Cap-and-Invest Program Measure (2024)
13. Washington Initiative 1631, Carbon Emissions Fee Measure (2018)

Path to the ballot

See also: Laws governing the initiative process in Washington

The state process

In Washington, the number of signatures required to qualify a directly initiated state statute—called an Initiative to the People in Washington—for the ballot is equal to 8 percent of the votes cast for the office of governor at the last regular gubernatorial election. Initial filings for direct initiatives cannot be made more than 10 months before the general election at which their proposal would be presented to voters. Signatures must be submitted at least four months prior to the general election.

The requirements to get an Initiative to the People certified for the 2024 ballot:

• Signatures: 324,516 valid signatures
• Deadline: July 5, 2024

The secretary of state verifies the signatures using a random sample method. If the sample indicates that the measure has sufficient signatures, the measure is certified for the ballot. However, if the sample indicates that the measure has insufficient signatures, every signature is checked. Under Washington law, a random sample result may not invalidate a petition.

Details about this initiative

Ashli Tagoai, General Counsel for the Building Industry Association of Washington, filed multiple versions of the initiative on April 4 and April 5, 2024. On April 19, the ballot language was certified for the initiative.

Climate Solutions, NW Energy Coalition, and Washington Conservation Action sued regarding the ballot language. On May 15, 2024, Judge Allyson Zipp of the Thurston County Superior Court ordered some revisions to the ballot language, including changing "concerns natural gas regulations" to "concerns regulating energy services, including natural gas and electrification." Both sides issued statements regarding the decision:

• Kai Smith, a lawyer representing the environmental organizations, responded, "I think the improvements she ordered were in the right direction. It’s not just about natural gas. It’s about promoting electrification and clean energy."
• Greg Lane, vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington, said, "The voters got a big win because what came out of the court is an accurate reflection of what the initiative does and that is what it’s supposed to be. A voter should be able to read that ballot title and summary and understand the impact of the ballot measure and we got a great result and voters will be able to understand."

With the ballot language dispute resolved, petitioners could begin collecting signatures. Supporters submitted 533,005 signatures on July 2, 2024.

On July 24, 2024, the office of Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs (D) announced that a random sample of signatures projected that 81.05% were valid. As 324,516 valid signatures were required, 60.88% needed to be found valid.

Signature gathering cost

See also: Ballot measures cost per required signatures analysis

Sponsors of the measure hired Voter Science and CollectiveVoice Solutions to collect signatures for the petition to qualify this measure for the ballot. A total of $2,444,186.75 was spent to collect the 324,516 valid signatures required to put this measure before voters, resulting in a total cost per required signature (CPRS) of $7.53.

How to cast a vote

See also: Voting in Washington

See below to learn more about current voter registration rules, identification requirements, and poll times in Washington.

How to vote in Washington

Poll times

Washington is an all-mail voting state. Individuals who prefer to vote in person rather than by mail may do so at local voting centers, which are open for 18 days prior to the election. The voting period ends at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Contact your county elections department for more information on voting center locations and times.

Registration

Check your voter registration status here.

To vote in Washington, one must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the state, and at least 18 years of age.

One may register to vote online, by mail, or in-person at a county elections department. Registration must be completed eight days in advance if done by mail or online. In-person registration is available through Election Day.

In 2018, Washington lawmakers enacted legislation providing for same-day voter registration and automatic voter registration.

Automatic registration

Washington automatically registers eligible individuals to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles, health benefit exchange, and other state agencies approved by the governor.

Online registration

See also: Online voter registration

Washington has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

Same-day registration

Washington allows same-day voter registration.

Residency requirements

Washington law requires 30 days of residency in the state before a person may vote.

Verification of citizenship

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

Washington does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual must attest that they are a U.S. citizen when registering to vote. According to the state's voter registration application, a voter who knowingly provides false information or knowingly make a false declaration about their qualifications "will have committed a class C felony that is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to ten thousand dollars, or both."

All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment. Seven states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming — have laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration, whether in effect or not. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allows noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters.

Verifying your registration

The site Vote WA, run by the Washington Secretary of State office, allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

Voter ID requirements

Washington is an all-mail voting state and does not require voters to present photo identification (ID). Voters may choose to vote in person at a local voting center. According to state law RCW 29A.40.160, “The county auditor shall require any person desiring to vote at a voting center to either sign a ballot declaration or provide identification.” Accepted forms of ID include driver's licenses, state ID cards, and student ID cards. For a list of all accepted forms of ID, see below.

The following list of accepted ID was current as of April 2023. Click here for the Washington State Legislature's voter ID regulations to ensure you have the most current information.

• Driver's license
• State identification card
• Student identification card
• Tribal identification card
• Employer identification card

See also

2024 measures

• 2024 ballot measures
• Energy on the ballot
• 2024 petition deadlines

Washington

• Washington ballot measures
• Washington initiative laws

News and analysis

• Ballot measure lawsuits
• Ballot measure readability
• Ballot measure polls
• Ballot measure signature costs

External links

• Washington Initiative 2066 (2024)