”When the Moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.“
–by American band, “The Fifth Dimension”
Of course, the Age of Aquarius is not some leftover from the “hippie” movement of the 1960s. Astrologically, this Great Age will accompany a couple of thousand years of harmony, egalitarianism, and understanding. The Age of Aquarius is culturally more intellectual, networked, and integrated around the globe.
^^^TrueWashington state did not pass any ban on Natural gas appliances.
Is "pushed" more like standing on the tracks in front of a freight train?The state has pushed PSe to begin planning for getting away from natural gas.
Washington state did not pass any ban on Natural gas appliances. That just factually did not happen. So while you may view it as a huge jump backwards, I think it is best viewed through the truthful lense of "things that never actually happened". As far as reducing coal consumption goes, that would be difficult to be accomplished on the state level, here in Wa state. Coal accounts for as much as 4% of our energy supply. So even if it did happen (it did not), it's difficult to see how it would represent a huge step back since we don't really rely on coal at all.
The state does a number of things to disuade people from using natural gas and wood as energy sources. The state energy code really does push electric heat pumps for heating and cooling and it icentivizes installing solar. It also mandates increased insulation/ better windows depending on other choices that are made for new construction. The building industry hates the energy code in general. It does certainly add to the cost of new home construction. The newest version just went into effect and it was far more robust than the prior. At present, you can comply with the energy code for a new home while using natutral gas.
The state has pushed PSe to begin planning for getting away from natural gas. They have kept PSE from giving incentives and rebates for natural gas appliances.
The state really does not have the ability or will to force people to retro-fit homes. Nearly all legistlation that require conservation measures in single family homes are implemented at the point of getting a buildng permit. There may be some way that the state mandates that mechanical permits not be granted for natural gas appliances. I think that would be pretty darned tough to pull off though. Local jurisdictions would probably push back, from what I have seen. Very few local building services divisions wants that sort of headache. There is also the option on the part of the homeowner of not getting a permit.
There have been bills presented that would not allow installation of new gas lines. They have yet to pass the house and Senate. I find that it's important to deal with the truth and not try to fight made up problems. In Washington State there is no ban on gas appliances or requirement that new construction not utillize natural gas.
I just took a quick look at the enacted law (https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/Session Laws/House/1589-S.SL.pdf#page=1). I see nothing that "Prohibits Puget Sound Energy (PSE) from providing natural gas service to new customers after June 2023."In a 52-44-2 vote, Washington’s House of Representatives passed House Bill 1589. Among other things, the bill:
- Prohibits Puget Sound Energy (PSE) from providing natural gas service to new customers after June 2023; and
- Removes the requirement that PSE continue serving natural gas to existing customers.
This is designed to ban natural gas.. this is just the only way they could get it to pass.
Was I factually incorrect? I suppose so..
I however was functionally and intentionally correct. The intention is to kill natural gas as a fuel source in the state of Washington. Pure evil.. yes Evil.
Not about the climate but about punishing the industry and it's users.
House Bill 1589, which failed to clear the legislature last year, is now getting a second look, with a revised version passing the House Monday by a 52-45 vote.I just took a quick look at the enacted law (https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/Session Laws/House/1589-S.SL.pdf#page=1). I see nothing that "Prohibits Puget Sound Energy (PSE) from providing natural gas service to new customers after June 2023."
There are restrictions on offering customers incentives to install natural gas appliances, but that is very different from banning them or prohibiting natural gas services to new homes/customers.
Did I miss a provision in the law (it is very possible that I did, I only read it quickly).
What are you looking at? On March 28, 2024, the bill was signed into law. My link is to the as-enacted law. I don't see your bolded language in the law.House Bill 1589, which failed to clear the legislature last year, is now getting a second look, with a revised version passing the House Monday by a 52-45 vote.
The bill would ban any gas company that serves more than 500,000 customers — specifically, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) — from connecting new natural gas lines to new residential or commercial buildings — with limited exemptions for certain manufacturing, medical care, correctional, and military facilities. PSE would also no longer be required to provide natural gas service to existing customers, which state law currently mandates.
The bill said the ban applies to any new construction after June 30, 2023. If approved, it would take effect immediately, due to an emergency clause included in the measure.
I try not to assume intent. Generally, people freely give their intent.In a 52-44-2 vote, Washington’s House of Representatives passed House Bill 1589. Among other things, the bill:
- Prohibits Puget Sound Energy (PSE) from providing natural gas service to new customers after June 2023; and
- Removes the requirement that PSE continue serving natural gas to existing customers.
This is designed to ban natural gas.. this is just the only way they could get it to pass.
Was I factually incorrect? I suppose so..
I however was functionally and intentionally correct. The intention is to kill natural gas as a fuel source in the state of Washington. Pure evil.. yes Evil.
Not about the climate but about punishing the industry and it's users.
However, the bill* requires PSE to develop a plan to “achieve all cost-effective electrification of end uses currently served by natural gas”..I am not sure that any single group hates energy stuff or Jay Inslee more than the BIAW. Here is what they say:
How HB 1589 affects homebuilders and Washington families
BIAW has received a lot of questions about how HB 1589 affects homebuilders and Washington families.www.biaw.com
Hint: Don't open threads marked "NFR" then!I thought this was a fishing site. I come here to not be reminded on the turmoil in our state ...