Ballot Initiative 2066

In the first week of June, all the changes that passes state legislature in the 2024 legislative session went into effect. This includes several of the ballot initiatives that have previously passed which I covered last month. Following the notable success of the aforementioned ballot initiatives which caused quite a stir in Washington state, the organization Let’s Go Washington has proposed yet another ballot initiative for 2024.

Before delving in to the new initiative, let’s get a better understanding of the advocacy group Let’s Go Washington. Let’s Go Washington is a bipartisan advocacy group spearheaded by Brian Heywood who is a hedge fund manager and farmer. He is a self-described conservative and libertarian who strongly believes in the value of the free market. Heywood hopes to bring more balance to Washington State through his group which will continue to champion public facing ballot initiatives which are proving remarkable effective in our current political landscape. It is important to note that while Heywood is clearly a conservative individual, Let’s Go Washington is advertised as a bipartisan organization focused on balance, on their website it is stated:

“Let’s Go Washington has no political party affiliation and is proud to work with legislators and supporters on both sides of the aisle. Though the opposition tries to spin lies about party affiliation, over 57% of signers were Democrat or Independent. We are proud to be working with a diverse coalition of supporters from many different political backgrounds as we fix what’s broken.”

“Fix what’s broken!” is their tagline and serves as the motivation for the advocacy group. They have now set their sights on recently passed legislation in Washington State which prohibits new builds from using natural gas heating and appliances by 2031.

Initiative 2066: ‘Stop the Gas Ban, Protect Energy Choice’ aims to keep options open for builders which would allow for the continues use of natural gas in new construction as well as renovations.

“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.”

According to Let’s Go Washington’s website:
• Signing Initiative 2066 gives voters the power to:
• Protect natural gas for heating, cooking and more.
• Stop state and local governments, and their agencies, from banning, restricting, or discouraging gas and gas appliances in homes and businesses, like restaurants.
• Make sure gas utilities will continue to provide natural gas to customers who want it.
• Stop the state from limiting natural gas service to homes and businesses, like restaurants and breweries.
• Protect people from having to switch to only electric energy.
• Keep the power on when our energy grid is at capacity in super cold or hot weather.

Signing Initiative 2066 does NOT:
• Force anyone to use gas or gas appliances – I-2066 just lets you choose.
• Take away any energy incentives and rebates for those who choose them.
• Reduce the state’s commitment to addressing climate change.

The previous ballot initiatives caused a bigger stir in the state than anyone was expecting and it will be interesting to not only see what Let’s Go Washington proposes next, but also how this method of grassroots advocacy will become more prominent over the next several legislative cycles.

By the time you are reading this article, it is likely that the signature deadline for this initiative has passed. Check out Let’s Go Washington’s website to learn more about I-2066 as well as their future efforts.