Cook in peace. They really aren’t coming for your gas stoves despite Ann Donnelly’s assertion. (“I-2066 protects free market, individual choice,” The Columbian, Aug. 3). Donnelly claims Initiative 2066 is on the side of individual freedom. Whose freedom is she actually talking about?
I-2066 is aimed at preventing state or local governments from banning or restricting gas installations in new homes. In order to meet increasing housing demand, much of this construction will be multifamily dwellings. The Building Industry Association, which backs I-2066, wants to continue installing gas heating and appliances because it costs them less than a heat pump and creates more profit for themselves. The people living in the building are left with higher heating costs, no air conditioning and the health risks of using gas.
Donnelly’s blithe claim that one can choose to switch to electric applies only to people who own their home and can afford to switch. Renters and low- or fixed-income owners have no viable options. The choice Donnelly advocates is reserved solely for the building industry and some individual homeowners. Renters and low- or fixed-income folks get to subsidize corporate profits. Is that really the choice we want to make?
Vote “no” on I-2066.
