Protecting Energy Choice: BIAW Leads Initiative 2066
HBA: Building Industry Association of Washington
Category: Government Affairs
Location: Tumwater, Wash.
Size: State Association
Year: 2024
The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) launched Initiative 2066, aimed at restoring access to natural gas and protecting consumer energy choice in response to Washington legislators’ plans to restrict natural gas usage. Working with Let’s Go Washington and more than 400 local businesses, BIAW mobilized a historic grassroots effort that collected more than 540,000 signatures in just seven weeks, the second-highest total for any initiative in Washington history and the most in 50 years. Following certification, BIAW launched an extensive public awareness and voter engagement campaign, using digital ads, social media, radio, debates and op-eds to spread the message.
Key campaign themes highlighted affordability, energy reliability and the right to choose fuel sources. On November 5, 2024, Initiative 2066 passed with nearly 2 million votes, effectively prohibiting bans or disincentives against natural gas. This victory not only overturned restrictive state policies but reaffirmed the public’s support for balanced, consumer-driven energy policy.
