Inslee fires up natural gas attacks

In recent years, environmentalists have targeted natural gas, even though it is an affordable energy source for so many.

Their efforts have failed in the Legislature. But, apparently, Gov. Inslee and his environmental allies found another way to restrict natural gas use. Last Friday, the State Building Code Council, whose members are appointed by the governor, voted 11-3 to change state energy rules by requiring new businesses and apartments to mostly use heat pumps to warm air and water beginning in July 2023.

With few exceptions, this revision would pretty much ban HVAC systems that use natu...