The fight over Washington's natural gas measure isn't over
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A Washington ballot measure that aimed to stop government officials from discouraging the use of natural gas was struck down last month by a King County judge — but the court fight isn't over yet.
Why it matters: Although Washington voters approved Initiative 2066 with nearly 52% of the vote last fall, the measure has been on hold because of a legal challenge.
- If the initiative were allowed to go into effect, it would force a rollback of recently adopted state energy codes that promote the use of electric heat pumps over natural gas appliances.
- I-2066 also could threaten financial incentive programs that help homeowners replace fossil-fuel burning furnaces with electric heat pumps, opponents of the measure argued.
Flashback: On the campaign trail last year, I-2066 supporters said the ballot measure was needed to protect access to natural gas, while opponents said it would set back efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.
The latest: In an oral decision last month, King County Superior Court Judge Sandra Widlan found I-2066 unconstitutional, ruling that it groups too many subjects under one initiative and didn't make the ballot measure's effects clear in its title.
- Widlan also found that the text of the ballot measure didn't clearly lay out the text of the laws it sought to amend, another constitutional violation.
- Seattle and King County were among the plaintiffs that sought to overturn I-2066, joining environmental groups and others.
Yes, but: The Building Industry Association of Washington, one of I-2066's main backers, plans to appeal the ruling as soon as the King County court enters a final written order, spokesperson Janelle Guthrie told Axios.
What's next: The issue likely will be decided by the state Supreme Court.
- The high court could agree to take up the case directly without having it first go through state appeals court, which would lead to a speedier ruling.