Voters pass Initiatve 2066 in General Election

COLFAX — On the ballot this election season Initiative 2066 passed, prohibiting state and local governments from restricting access to natural gas.

The initiative would also prohibit the state building code council from discouraging or punishing the use of natural gas in any building.

It requires gas and utility companies, cities or towns that provide natural gas to provide people or corporations natural gas even if other energy services or sources are available.

A total of 2,793,408 voted state-wide, with 1,434,521, 51.35% voting in favor, and 1,358,887, 48.65% voting against the initiative.

In Whitman County 11,245 voters turned out, with 6,193, 55.07% voting in favor and 5,052, 44.93% voting against the initiative.

Adams County had 1,853, 67.38% voting in favor and 897, 32.62% voting against the initiative.

A total of 9,300 votes in Asotin County saw the majority 65.12%, 6,056 voting yes and 3,244, 34.88% voting against the initiative.

Garfield County had a total of 1,274 votes, with 892, 70.02% voting yes, 29.98%, 382 voting no to the initiative.

A total of 21,704 votes in Franklin County showed 16,690, 67.14% voting in favor of the initiative and 8,168, 32.86% voted no.

The majority of voters in Lincoln County leaned towards the initiative passing with 3,579, 73.46% voting in favor and 1,293, 2

In Spokane County the initiative had 134,180, 59.74% voting in favor and 90,432, 40.26% in opposition.