Washington Supreme Court Reviews Voter-Approved Natural Gas Initiative

The Washington Supreme Court has agreed to review the constitutionality of Initiative 2066, a voter-approved measure that requires utilities to provide natural gas service to eligible customers and repeals regulations restricting natural gas use. Passed by a narrow margin in November 2024, the initiative was struck down by a King County Superior Court judge in March for violating the state's single-subject rule, which aims to prevent combining unrelated issues in one measure. Chief Justice Debra Stephens announced the high court would hear the case directly, bypassing the Court of Appeals. Supporters, including the state's Attorney General Nick Brown and the Building Industry Association of Washington, argue the initiative is focused solely on protecting access to natural gas and should be upheld. Critics, including former Governor Jay Inslee, contend the initiative is overly broad and confuses voters by mixing multiple unrelated subjects. This case highlights ongoing tensions in Washington over natural gas policies amid broader debates on energy transition and climate change.