Spokane Employers Hopeful for Energy Future
Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI) applauds the passage of Initiative 2066, a significant victory for energy affordability, consumer choice, and an economically sustainable energy transition. The initiative repeals overly restrictive and inconsistent regulations that sought to ban natural gas hookups in new construction and require the transition from natural gas to electric heating. The repeal ensures continued access to natural gas as a critical energy source for Washington homeowners and businesses.
“Today, with the passage of Initiative 2066, Washington state consumers are standing up for energy affordability, consumer choice, and sustainable solutions over haphazard policymaking” said Alisha Benson, CEO of GSI. “This initiative protects access to natural gas, a critical energy source for homeowners and businesses, while mitigating the rising costs of energy and new construction. By repealing burdensome regulations, we are ensuring that Washingtonians have a reliable and diverse energy portfolio, supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability across our communities.”
The passage of the initiative is also being celebrated by local industries, manufacturers, and restaurants that depend on natural gas for their operations. Michael Marzetta, CEO of Altek, Inc, emphasized how critical this decision is for their industry.
“The passage of Initiative 2066 is a huge win for our industry and the broader business community,” said Mr. Marzetta. “For manufacturers like me and the restaurants we all love, natural gas is essential to continue our work because viable electrified alternatives simply don’t exist. This decision protects jobs, stabilizes energy costs, and prevents unnecessary burdens on businesses already facing challenges in today’s economic climate.”
Initiative 2066 garnered overwhelming initial support, with over 546,000 signatures collected—demonstrating widespread public agreement on the importance of energy choice and affordability. Its passage today highlights a commitment to fostering a competitive business environment and safeguarding the state’s energy reliability without imposing additional costs on families or businesses.
