High number of voters leave question blank; Constitutional challenge to Initiative 2066 next
Olympia, WA — Today, voters narrowly passed Initiative 2066, a misleading measure that if enacted will raise energy bills, roll back climate policy, jeopardize energy efficiency incentives, block local jurisdictions and the state’s largest utility from thoughtful planning for transitioning to clean energy, and cause more climate and air pollution.
Notably, a large number of voters were confused by Initiative 2066, as shown by the more than 5% of voters who left it blank on their ballots — the highest of any of the four initiatives on the ballot.
“Energy bills are a huge financial strain for working families in Washington. If it is allowed to stand, I-2066 would guarantee higher energy costs in the coming years by rolling back tools that help utilities plan for the future. This poorly written initiative would have a host of consequences for energy affordability, clean air and the climate,” said Molly Gallagher, Communications Coordinator, Statewide Poverty Action Network.
Early polling from third party sources and the proponents earlier in fall indicated the measure would pass easily, but in the end the initiative will likely come within a few percentage points of failing, barely passing after days of “too close to call” with returns.
The initiative’s broad language, which potentially harms a wide variety of energy efficiency programs and clean energy policies, likely violates the Washington state constitution’s single subject rule, according to legal experts. Several groups within the No on 2066 coalition will be filing a legal challenge once the initiative officially qualifies, which will likely be in December.
If implemented, the overly broad language of this initiative is likely to sow confusion for municipalities, builders and affordability advocates, rolling back a wide swath of regulations at the state and local level and jeopardizing various energy efficiency programs.
The initiative was rushed onto the ballot at the last minute and backed by millions of dollars from fossil fuel industry actors like Koch Industries, gas utilities like NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas, and out-of-state developer lobbyists like the National Association of Homebuilders, which has fought against energy efficiency measures nationwide. Initiative proponents misled the public: in fact, nothing in state law prevents anyone from buying gas appliances, and gas utilities are still required by state law to provide gas service to anyone who wants it.
Despite the measure qualifying so late compared to the other statewide measures, a deep and diverse coalition of civic groups came together in record time to oppose this harmful measure, including affordable housing developers, unions, medical professionals and anti-poverty advocates. Notably: Housing Development Consortium of King County, Statewide Poverty Action Network, Anti-Hunger and Nutrition Coalition, WA Build Back Black Alliance, Rewiring America, WA PSR, Restaurants United, SEIU 775, Sheet Metal Workers Local 66, REI, American Federation of Teachers- WA, Fuse, SEIU Local 925, UFCW 3000, and SEPAC. The No on I-2066 campaign is also part of the Defend Washington coalition, which opposed to all four statewide measures, the other three now handily defeated by voters.
“No one should have to choose between paying an energy bill and putting food on the table, but that’s the reality for thousands of Washington families. I-2066 would roll back critically important programs that help people living on low incomes reduce their monthly bills with clean energy upgrades that make their home more efficient and affordable. If it is allowed to stand, I-2066 would be a huge step backwards for housing affordability in our state,” said Patience Malaba, Executive Director, Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County.
“Despite millions of dollars of spending and a concerted effort to mislead the public about its impacts, this initiative barely garnered majority support. Our campaign is exploring all of its legal options to ensure special interests aren’t allowed to abuse the initiative process and undermine Washington’s clean energy future,” said Caitlin Krenn, Climate and Clean Energy Director, Washington Conservation Action.
“This initiative was deceptive and confusing, yet many Washington voters still came out to oppose it and say ‘no’ to higher energy bills. There will be a challenge to the constitutionality of the initiative in order to protect Washington’s action on climate and clean air, and to stand up for the rights of all Washingtonians in our ballot measure process,” said Leah Missik, Washington Deputy Policy Director, Climate Solutions.
“The fossil fuel industry is waging an all out assault on climate policy, using Big Tobacco’s playbook and running initiatives like this one to try to delay the inevitable transition to clean, renewable electricity. Yet despite their best efforts, there is still strong public support for energy efficiency and electrification policy that can protect our pocketbooks, our clean air and our climate. This initiative will have dramatic consequences for residents across the state, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to fight back and to ensure that Washington remains a leader on energy affordability and climate action.” said Dylan Plummer, with the Sierra Club.