I-2066, Washington's natural gas ballot measure, explained

Zoom in: Although Washington's new building codes wouldn't automatically be repealed by I-2066, the State Building Code Council would have to amend the codes next year so they no longer discourage gas appliances in new construction, Dustin Curb, the council's managing director, told Axios in an emailed statement.

• The initiative could also affect Seattle's ability to implement its new energy-efficiency standards for buildings, Callie Craighead, a spokesperson for Mayor Bruce Harrell's office, told Axios.

The big picture: Extracting, transporting and burning natural gas releases methane and carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases that are major contributors to climate change.

Catch up quick: I-2066 would also repeal part of a state law passed this year that requires Puget Sound Energy, the state's largest provider of natural gas, to evaluate ways to achieve "cost-effective electrification."

• The ballot measure would nix requirements that Puget Sound Energy target certain areas for electrification, while repealing a mandate that the utility educate its customers about the benefits of going electric.
• If I-2066 passes, the utility would have to keep offering incentives and rebates for homeowners to install gas appliances. Right now, those rebates are scheduled to sunset next year.

State of play: Current state policy doesn't ban natural gas appliances or require homeowners to replace them.

• The new state building codes apply only to new buildings or to properties undergoing major remodeling — not existing homes.

What they're saying: Advocates for I-2066 say state officials are nonetheless effectively banning natural gas through policies that try to phase out the fossil fuel and reduce its use.

• Let's Go Washington, a committee supporting the initiative, argues those plans will eventually cause homeowners and businesses to have to pay for costly electrification upgrades.

• The Building Industry Association of Washington, a main I-2066 supporter, says passing the ballot measure will ensure "utilities will continue to provide natural gas to customers who want it."

The other side: I-2066 opponents say the initiative threatens programs that help low-income people make their homes more energy efficient, such as rebates that offset the costs of installing heat pumps.

• Gutting those programs would lead to higher energy costs for renters, homeowners and businesses, Leah Missik, Washington deputy policy director for Climate Solutions, told Axios.
• I-2066 "would roll back years of work to ensure new buildings are energy efficient," Patience Malaba, executive director of the Housing Development Consortium, said in a video voter guide statement.

What's next: Ballots were mailed last week to registered voters in Washington.

• To be counted, ballots must be returned to an official drop box by 8pm on Nov. 5, or mailed and postmarked by that day.

Go deeper: Washington state voter guide — What's on your 2024 ballot