Cascade is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy for our communities in Washington. However, there are active efforts in our state to limit the use of natural gas for homes and businesses including:
- Code ordinances
- The State Building Code Council (SBCC) has enacted changes to the State Energy Codes that significantly limits natural gas space and water heating in commercial and residential construction. The legality of the code is currently being challenged in court.
- Legislation
- Electrification policies that would severely limit or eliminate the use of natural gas continue to be proposed. Examples of previously proposed legislation include requirements for natural gas utilities to file plans to decommission portions of their natural gas pipeline and decrease natural gas service to Washingtonians. Other legislation would have allowed local jurisdictions to ban natural gas in new residential construction. These pieces of legislation failed to make it into law. However, it’s anticipated similar legislation will continue to be proposed in future sessions.
- Local bans
- Some local governments and municipalities are now considering restrictions, or outright bans, to the use of natural gas. In Washington state, local restrictions have already taken effect in cities including Bellingham, and Seattle.
If you have concerns about efforts to restrict energy choice in Washington, you’re not alone. A Pew Research Center poll taken at the end of January 2022, found that most Americans would like the country to support a diverse mix of fuels to heat and power their homes.[1]
Whether or not you support continued energy choice, it’s important that all voices are heard regarding our state’s energy future. Stay informed by logging into your Cascade Natural Gas online account and make sure you are opted-in to receive periodic Company & Industry News via email.
You can also get directly involved in preserving your energy choice through the NW Coalition for Energy Choice.
This web page was created at no cost to Cascade Natural Gas customers.