This week, I-2066 was struck down by the Washington Supreme Court.In 2024 Washington voters approved Initiative 2066 the initiative, among many other provisions
This week, I-2066 was struck down by the Washington Supreme Court.
In 2024 Washington voters approved Initiative 2066 the initiative, among many other provisions, required utilities to provide natural gas services to any person or business that requests it.
“Every gas company or large combination utility shall provide natural gas to all persons and corporations in their service area or territory that demand, apply for, and are reasonably entitled to receive, natural gas under this section, even if other energy services or energy sources may be available,” the initiative reads.
But the initiative also held several other sections, which is why the state supreme court, in a 6-3 ruling, called the law "unconstitutional in its entirety," sighting the single subject requirement that state laws must abide by.
The decision by the state supreme court, to strike down the law, is drawing mixed reaction.
Caitlin Krenn, Washington Conservation Action's Climate and Clean Energy Director, said the ruling is a "huge win for Washingtonians.”
“Initiative 2066 was a deceptive attempt, backed by a megamillionaire, to lock our state into expensive, polluting fossil fuels for decades and undermine the State’s climate policies,” she said. “By upholding the state’s constitution, the Supreme Court has put us back on track to reap the benefits of cheaper, cleaner renewable energy.”
On the other side, State Senator Matt Boehnke (R-Kennewick) said, “[Washingtonians] voted to preserve access to natural gas and protect families' and businesses' ability to choose the energy source that works for them. Today's ruling doesn't erase what voters told us."
If the legislature does decide to take up this issue, it will have to wait until session begins at the start of next year.
