Washington Supreme Court strikes down natural gas initiative
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The Temple of Justice in Olympia. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios
Washington's Supreme Court has struck down Initiative 2066, a natural gas ballot measure approved by voters two years ago.
Why it matters: The ruling invalidates the initiative, which sought to roll back the state's energy-efficient building codes and to bar state and local governments from discouraging the use of natural gas.
The latest: The court found the initiative violated a constitutional rule that requires laws to stick to a single subject.
- That provision of the state constitution is intended to "ensure transparency in the legislative process" and prevent "unconstitutional logrolling," Chief Justice Debra Stephens wrote in the court's majority opinion.
Catch up quick: Besides requiring changes to state building codes, I-2066 said state and local governments "shall not in any way prohibit, penalize, or discourage the use of gas."
- The measure also would have repealed part of a 2024 state law that required Puget Sound Energy, the state's largest natural gas provider, to evaluate ways to achieve "cost-effective electrification."
What they're saying: Opponents of I-2066 called the decision a win for state and local efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
- If implemented, I-2066 would have undermined policies "designed to safeguard Washington residents from harmful pollution," Mark Vossler, a board member with Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, said in a news release.
The other side: Brian Heywood, founder of the group Let's Go Washington, which backed I-2066, called the court's decision "biased and one-sided."
- Heywood said one of the initiative's goals was to keep energy costs down for consumers.
What we're watching: Whether I-2066's backers, including the Building Industry Association of Washington, pursue narrower efforts to roll back energy-efficiency rules.