Olympia, WA—On January 22, 2026, the Washington State Supreme Court heard oral arguments centering on the legality of I-2066, centering on how the initiative’s title misled voters by its ballot title and instead silently amended existing climate and clean air laws and programs across multiple state agencies, utilities, and local governments.
Thursday's hearing is part of the final chapter for I-2066, rushed onto the 2024 ballot at the last minute and narrowly passing with just 51.7% of the vote. Many voters were confused by I-2066, shown by the more than 5% of voters who left it blank on their ballots—the highest of any of the four initiatives on the 2024 ballot. I-2066’s original campaign falsely claimed that the state was banning access to natural gas, while there is nothing in Washington state law that prohibits “energy choice” or prevents anyone from buying gas appliances. Gas utilities are required by state law to provide gas service to anyone who wants it. I-2066 proponents included the Building Industry of Washington and Let’s Go WA, and was backed by millions of dollars from out-of-state special interests.
While a ruling is not expected for several months, Thursday’s oral arguments come against the backdrop of continuing efforts by Let’s Go Washington to use and weaponize Washington’s initiative process for political gain.
Quotes for coverage:
“Special interests don’t get to play by special rules just because they don’t like the ones the rest of us follow,” said Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans. “Washington state law sets clear transparency and simplicity requirements for ballot initiatives to protect the integrity of that democratic process. The co-plaintiffs in this case have worked hard to uphold those protections, and the City Attorney’s Office is proud to have contributed to that group effort.”
“Initiative 2066 was a cynical attempt by industry to undermine energy affordability and air quality protections. On top of that, it violates our state constitution,” said Alyssa Macy, CEO of Washington Conservation Action. “Today we’re continuing to fight for a cleaner, healthier, more affordable energy future for everyone in Washington.”
“This illegal initiative was just more evidence that the fossil fuel industry and their allies have shown that they will do anything to rollback climate progress,” said Dylan Plummer, an Acting Deputy Director with the Sierra Club. “We are optimistic that the Washington Supreme Court will see Initiative 2066 for what it was - a misleading and unconstitutional effort to attack policies that support energy affordability, clean air, and renewable energy.”
"We should not allow unconstitutional initiatives like I-2066 undermine commitments we’ve made for a clean energy transition in Washington, and the progress that local, state, and community leaders have shown in our response to climate change," said Cameron Steinback, Climate Justice Program Manager, Front and Centered.
“We have to keep energy affordable for Washington families,” said Leah Missik, Legislative Director with Climate Solutions. “We are confident that the Court will see through the intentionally misleading I-2066 and stand up for clearer, more honest information on how initiatives impact our lives and communities.”
Watch: Link to TVW recording
