Judge Overturns WA Gas Initiative, Appeal Planned

A King County Superior Court judge has ruled that Washington's voter-approved Initiative 2066, which aimed to protect access to natural gas, is unconstitutional due to its violation of the single-subject rule. The initiative, which passed with nearly 52% support, sought to require utility companies to provide natural gas and restricted government efforts to transition to alternative energy. However, Judge Sandra Widlan found that the initiative combined multiple unrelated subjects, making it difficult to discern a single general topic. This decision follows a lawsuit from climate activists, solar energy representatives, and local governments who argued that the initiative misled voters and impeded clean energy efforts. The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), a main supporter of I-2066, plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing the importance of energy choice for voters. The ruling reflects ongoing tensions between traditional energy reliance and the push towards sustainable alternatives in Washington state.