Washington Supreme Court Invalidated Initiative 2066
The court struck down the natural gas measure after finding it violated state single-subject rules.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Utilities
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The Washington Supreme Court invalidated Initiative 2066, a measure approved by voters in November 2024 that sought to restrict natural gas prohibitions. The court ruled the initiative unconstitutional because it contained too many unrelated subjects.
Why it matters
The ruling resolves a constitutional challenge brought by municipalities and environmental groups who argued the initiative improperly bundled diverse policies. The decision effectively blocks a measure intended to limit decarbonization efforts and reduce the authority of local air quality regulators.
Initiative 2066, which voters approved in November 2024, has been struck down by the state Supreme Court for violating single-subject rules. The ruling follows an earlier decision by the King County Superior Court that also invalidated the measure.
The players
Washington Supreme Court
This is the highest court in the state of Washington and holds the final authority on the interpretation of state laws and the constitution.
King County Superior Court
This trial-level court serves as the primary judicial venue for King County and previously heard the initial challenge to Initiative 2066.
The details
The initiative aimed to prevent local governments and utilities from banning natural gas, effectively rolling back various regional decarbonization efforts. The Supreme Court concluded that the wide-ranging nature of the measure exceeded the permissible scope of a single initiative.
Timeline
Voters approved Initiative 2066 in November 2024.
The State Supreme Court struck down the initiative on September 18, 2026.
Market Landscape
The invalidation of Initiative 2066 marks a departure from voter-approved mandates regarding energy policy and utility regulation in the region. This legal outcome reinforces the strict application of the Washington state constitutional single-subject rule on future ballot measures.
The ruling maintains the current regulatory environment for natural gas usage by preventing the initiative from taking effect. Residents and businesses will not see the planned restrictions on local decarbonization and air quality oversight implemented at this time.
The takeaway
This decision underscores the importance of the single-subject rule for ballot initiatives in Washington state. Voters and policy advocates must ensure that future legislative efforts remain focused on cohesive topics to withstand constitutional scrutiny.
Further reading
For more on energy policy developments, see the latest Utilities updates.
Live Poll
Should state voters, rather than local officials, decide local natural gas and decarbonization policies?
