Goodbye, gas heat? Proposals in Washington state seek to phase out fossil fuel heating in buildings
A long goodbye to natural gas furnaces and water heating â and possibly other gas appliances â could begin with action by the Washington Legislature this winter.
Separately, the Seattle City Council this week begins consideration of a similar proposal to eliminate fossil fuel-based heating in new commercial buildings. Buildings are one of our state s most significant and fastest growing sources of carbon pollution. We must do better â and we can do better, testified Michael Furze, head of the state energy office, on behalf of Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee.
Tom Banse / NW News Network
A long goodbye to natural gas furnaces and water heating and possibly other gas appliances could begin with action by the Washington Legislature this winter. Separately, the Seattle City Council this week begins consideration of a similar proposal to eliminate fossil fuel-based heating in new commercial buildings. Buildings are one of our state s most significant and fastest growing sources of carbon pollution. We must do better and we can do better, testified Michael Furze, head of the state energy office, on behalf of Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee.
Natural gas utilities and major business associations spoke against the state legislative proposal during an initial public hearing on Friday. The opponents said they want to preserve consumer choice and questioned whether the Pacific Northwest electric grid could handle a big increase in winter heating load.