Washington Supreme Court strikes down natural gas initiative

Court invalidates the initiative

The Washington Supreme Court on Thursday struck down Initiative 2066 in full, ruling that the natural gas measure approved by voters in 2024 violated the state Constitution’s limit on combining subjects in an initiative. Six of the court’s nine justices signed the majority opinion.

The court found that the initiative contained four separate subjects. The majority said it could not determine which provisions would have received majority support if voters had considered them separately. The justices also concluded that they could not remove some provisions while leaving others in effect.

What Initiative 2066 covered

Initiative 2066 was intended to prevent Washington from moving its energy system away from natural gas. Its provisions addressed local authority over air-quality standards, statewide building codes and part of the state’s Decarbonization Act.

Climate advocacy organizations, Seattle and King County sued after the measure passed. They argued that placing those policies in one initiative forced voters to make a single choice on several distinct issues.

The Building Industry Association of Washington originated and defended the initiative. Let’s Go Washington also supported the measure.

Response to the ruling

The Building Industry Association of Washington expressed disappointment and said it had no plans to appeal. Executive Vice President Greg Lane said the decision rejected the choice made by voters who supported the initiative.

The Washington Hospitality Association also opposed the outcome. The organization said hotels and restaurants still face concerns about the cost and practicality of converting commercial kitchens and building systems from natural gas.