Inslee attacks natural gas, again

In recent years, environmentalists have targeted natural gas, even though it is an affordable energy source for so many.

Their efforts have failed in the Legislature. But, apparently, Gov. Inslee and his environmental allies found another way to restrict natural gas use. Last Friday, the State Building Code Council, whose members are appointed by the governor, voted 11-3 to change state energy rules by requiring new businesses and apartments to mostly use heat pumps to warm air and water beginning in July 2023.

With few exceptions, this revision would pretty much ban HVAC systems that use natural gas.

The Building Code Council vote last week is just another Democratic plan that will make housing less affordable, in the name of green energy.

It’s laughable how Democrats claim to be concerned about the working class, yet their actions, such as 2021’s adoption of a costly low-carbon fuel standard, will increase the price to heat homes.

Building-industry associations correctly warn the natural-gas ban on apartment and commercial buildings will cause challenges for construction and the electrical grid.

In 2020, Washington consumed less natural gas than half of the states in the nation.

In 2019, our state used less natural gas per capita than all but four other states and the District of Columbia.

Our state is not a big natural-gas user, so the council should not punish us as if we are.

Unfortunately, proponents of this natural-gas ban aren’t satisfied with just targeting apartment and commercial buildings. They apparently are looking to extend this ban to new residential homes as well.

It makes you wonder how much more a new home will cost if such a ban becomes reality.

— Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, represents the 9th Legislative District, which includes Adams County. Email him at Mark.Schoesler@leg.wa.gov.