(TheIndependentStar.com) – Washington Blue State voters have stopped a decisive blow by the environmental wackos left by blocking local and state restrictions on natural gas use.
Initiative 2066, spearheaded by the Building Industry Association of Washington and supported by the conservative political committee Let’s Go Washington, gathered an impressive 550,000 signatures to reach the ballot.
The measure, which will take effect on December 5, prevents state and local authorities from restricting natural gas use for heating or cooking and mandates utilities continue providing natural gas service.
This initiative directly challenges the state’s Democrat leadership, including Governor Jay Inslee, who has been pushing for a phaseout of natural gas in favor of so-called “green” energy alternatives.
The approval of I-2066 effectively blocks the implementation of House Bill 1589, which aimed to reduce emissions and promote energy efficiency at the expense of consumer choice and affordability.
Moreover, supporters of the initiative argued that it preserves energy choices and supports rural communities and small businesses that rely on natural gas.
Brian Heywood, a key proponent, stated, “We fought for Washington’s rural communities that couldn’t survive the freezing winters and grid blackouts without natural gas. We fought for small businesses who could not afford to retrofit their buildings to electric.”
“We fought for Washingtonians tired of being forced to comply with policies that make their lives more difficult from a legislature that has proven they aren’t listening to citizens,” he continued.
Meanwhile, the initiative goes beyond just protecting gas stoves. It prohibits discouraging or penalizing the use of natural gas in buildings and prevents the state’s utility regulatory agency from approving rate plans that would terminate or make natural gas service unaffordable.
This comprehensive approach ensures that Washington residents can continue to enjoy natural gas benefits without fear of government interference or financial penalties.
Predictably, climate alarmists and left-wing politicians are not taking this defeat lying down, as they are already threatening legal challenges, claiming the initiative may violate the Washington Constitution by addressing more than one subject.
Nevertheless, proponents of I-2066 asserted that the measure was carefully crafted to withstand such challenges and protect the choice to use natural gas.
“Those who want to ban natural gas have been clear in their intent to use every avenue available to undermine Washington’s democracy and the people of Washington’s right to initiative,” Lane added.
While I-2066 passed, three other conservative-backed initiatives were rejected, including attempts to repeal the capital gains tax and the Climate Commitment Act.
Governor Inslee celebrated these defeats, emphasizing his commitment to implementing his radical climate agenda despite the clear will of the people regarding natural gas use.
The passage of Initiative 2066 represents a significant victory for energy freedom and common sense in Washington state.
It means that even in deep-blue states, citizens are waking up to the dangers of extreme environmental policies that threaten their way of life and economic well-being.
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