commercial building codes

Washington voter Initiative 2066 would repeal or prohibit certain regulations that discourage the use of natural gas and promote electrification.

Buildings are the second largest source of climate pollution in Washington. Seattle City Council passed a policy Tuesday requiring existing structures over 20,000 square feet to get to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Seattle has a reputation as a left-leaning, ‘green’ city, but the current city council has not had a committee to address climate change. Now, a new select committee has the sole focus of curbing emissions from large buildings.

Gov. Jay Inslee’s appointments to a regulatory panel have cost Washington state $70,000 in a public records lawsuit settlement — and forced the governor to name new appointees. State law says two of the council’s 15 members must be nominated by trade associations representing residential and commercial builders. But Inslee last year named two of his own picks.

It’s a small step, but an important one in the fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Seattle City Council on Monday unanimously passed a new building…