Ballot initiatives in three states could have significant implications for the oil and gas industry, as well as emissions and carbon capture technology.
Perhaps the biggest fight is in Washington, where Initiative 2066 would ban local governments from discouraging the use of natural gas for heating and promote electrification. It’s the latest chapter in gas ban wars that have played out from coast to coast the past few years over how to reduce emissions from heating in buildings.
“People want to protect natural gas choice,” said Anthony Anton, president of the Washington Hospitality Association, a trade group that is backing the initiative. “People love having their fireplaces and their equipment that they have today and having the choice to cook on it and heat their homes.”
Critics of the measure say it could hurt Washington’s target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The state also is looking to phase out fossil fuels completely from its electric grid by 2045.
