Executive Vice President Greg Lane issued the following statement Friday after King County Superior Court Judge Sandra Widlan ruled Initiative 2066 protecting energy choice in Washington was unconstitutional.

“We will not back away from the fight to ensure the will of the people who voted tomake I-2066 law stands. We will continue to use every avenue available,including appealing to the state Supreme Court, to protect energy choice for the people of Washington. Those who want to ban natural gas are trying to force their minority view on the majority of Washingtonians.” 

Politics prevails

In its summary judgment motion, BIAW argued:

- Sponsors carefully crafted I-2066 with a general title dealing with the overarching subject of preserving energy choice.

- I-2066 clearly informed voters it would repeal or prohibit laws and regulations that prohibit, discourage or otherwise ban the use of natural gas and/or promote electrification.

- I-2066 is a complete act.

Widlan, who was appointed in 2018 by Gov. Jay Inslee, heard oral argument as Inslee was present in the courtroom. In her ruling, she rejected BIAW’s arguments, holding I-2066 unconstitutional. 

“The ruling was irresponsible,” Lane said. “The idea voters didn’t understand what they were voting for is condescending and disrespectful.

"The judge ruled in support of her personal policy position, not a legal decision,”he continued. “It was clear from the very start of the hearing that she had abandoned all pretense of impartiality or objectivity, an inexcusable insult to the 546,000 citizens who signed I-2066 and the 1.9 million people who voted to make it law.”

What happens next

BIAWand the Attorney General’s Office plan to appeal the case directly to the Washington State Supreme Court where the court will hear arguments from both sides without taking into consideration Widlan’s ruling.

“We will defend I-2066 every step of the way to ensure the will of the people is respected and upheld so families can have the natural gas they need to heat their homes, warm their water and cook their food,” Lane said. “I fully expect we will prevail at the Supreme Court.”

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