|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 16, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT
Derek Wing, Communications Manager
dwing@redmond.gov, 425-556-5844
Redmond City Council Adopts Resolution Opposing Washington Initiative 2066
REDMOND, WA - At the Oct. 15, 2024, meeting Redmond City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to oppose Initiative 2066. I-2066 will be on the Washington ballot in November, and if approved, would prohibit discouraging or penalizing the use of natural gas in the state of Washington.
The passage of I-2066 in November would severely impact Redmond’s ability to meet climate commitment goals laid out in the City’s Climate Emergency Declaration, Environmental Sustainability Action Plan, and Community Strategic Plan, as well as meet greenhouse gas reduction goals as laid out in the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration Joint Commitments.
Redmond programs such as the Energy Smart Eastside heat pump program, the Green Building Program, and other Environmental Sustainability Action Plan efforts that encourage and incentivize electrification and provide equitable retrofit options may not be permitted under the new initiative.
In 2020, the Redmond City Council declared a Climate Emergency and adopted a 30-year Environmental Sustainability Action Plan that collectively commits the City to achieve carbon neutrality from city operations by 2030 and communitywide carbon neutrality by 2050. Reducing natural gas usage in the City is an essential component of meeting these goals.
Learn more about the City’s sustainability efforts and the I-2066 Council item.
|
