In 1986, in the era of the JNR, the Shiga Prefecture and local governments established the 'Alliance for Promoting DC Electrification of the Hokuriku Main Line' at the commerce and industry associations of local cities along the line, and demanded that JNR/JR change the electrification system of the Hokuriku Line for the improvement of convenience; subsequently, in May 1990 the cities of the Kosei area were additionally involved to newly establish the 'Alliance for Promoting the Lake Biwa Loop Line' in order to work on the JR.
滋賀県や地元自治体は国鉄時代の1986年に沿線市町・商工会で「北陸本線直流化促進期成同盟会」を設立し、北陸線の利便性向上には電化方式の変更が必要と国鉄・JRへの要望活動を進め、さらに1990年5月には、湖西の市町も加わり「琵琶湖環状線促進期成同盟会」を新たに発足させ、JRへの働きかけを進めた。