A controversial ballot measure to ensure access to natural gas in homes, restaurants and other buildings appeared to be passing a week after the election with its main proponents already declaring victory.

The majority of more than 3 million voters – or more than 51% – showed support of continued energy choice at the ballot and we think providing a choice is usually the right choice.

The initiative will repeal provisions of a new state law meant to hurry along the state’s transition away from natural gas. It also would ban cities and counties from prohibiting, penalizing or discouraging the use of gas for heating and appliances in any building.

The Building Industry Association of Washington backed the initiative and trumpeted the election results. BIAW has said a natural gas ban would hike already high construction costs.

The Washington Hospitality Association said natural gas is necessary as a power source for heating, cooking and more.

More than 540,000 individual voters and more than 400 businesses came together to bring I-2066 to the ballot in seven weeks in a well-financed campaign. That represents the second-highest number of signatures for a state initiative and the most gathered in over 50 years, BIAW said.

We know natural gas, though cleaner than coal or oil, still releases greenhouse gases that contributes to climate change, but this bridge fuel is key during the transition to renewable energy, and we don’t think a state mandate is the answer to the problem.

As renewable energy sources become more affordable and efficient, they may eventually render the need for natural gas obsolete. The key is to invest in research and development to accelerate this, not to penalize. Much of this research is happening in our own backyard at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Opponents have said they will sue if the imitative passes so it’s clear the debate on this complex issue is not over.

Policymakers must balance the need for clean energy with the practical realities of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Transition is a key word here. Our state must strike that delicate balance between consumer choice, economic concerns and environmental sustainability. We hope the election results prompt more conversations and policy with this theme in mind.