On October 17, Washington Gas and coalition partners filed lawsuits in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland, challenging the gas bans set to take effect in 2026 in both jurisdictions. These policies seek to strip customers of their ability to make choices about their own energy needs and prevent the delivery of lower-carbon fuels such as renewable natural gas to many buildings.
In the District of Columbia lawsuit, Washington Gas is joined by the Restaurant Law Center, the National Apartment Association, the National Association of Home Builders of the United States, the Maryland Building Industry Association, the Philadelphia-Baltimore-Washington Laborers’ District Council, and Teamsters Local 96. Many of these organizations also joined us in the Montgomery County lawsuit, as well as the National Federation of Independent Business. This legal action is necessary to protect the right of customers to choose the affordable, reliable energy sources that meet their needs and budget.
Collectively, these organizations are taking a stand on behalf of the families and business owners in Washington, D.C. and Maryland to ensure that our local governments consider the broader impact of these policies on their communities. The lawsuits aim to preserve customer choice and balanced, long-term energy that prioritize affordability and reliability.
Why We Filed this Lawsuit
You — our customers — are our first priority and are at the center of everything we do at Washington Gas.We know you appreciate the affordability and reliability of gas. It is three times more affordable than electric, and this cost advantage is paramount in a time of increasing inflation and rising costs in so many aspects of our lives. We understand how important reliable energy is to you, especially during extreme weather events or emergencies. Without gas, homes and businesses may be more vulnerable to disruptive power outages, which could impact your ability to warm your homes or offices, heat your water, or cook a meal for your families or your own customers.
We’re in this together. We’re joining these lawsuits to stand on the side of our customers and will continue to fight for your freedom to choose the reliable and affordable energy that meets your needs, preferences, and budget. Because our business is not just about providing energy — it's about doing right by you.
––Blue Jenkins, President of Washington Gas
FAQs
This lawsuit is similar to legal efforts across the country challenging local gas bans, including a recent federal court ruling that overturned a first-in-the-nation ban on gas in Berkeley, California by the Ninth Circuit in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley. That decision affirmed that such bans were preempted by federal law.
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) gives the federal government the authority to regulate the energy efficiency and energy use of gas appliances. Pursuant to this authority, the U.S. Department of Energy already regulates many gas appliances. Gas bans contradict EPCA’s purpose, which is meant to establish uniform appliance standards nationwide to avoid a confusing patchwork of regulation for manufacturers and consumers.
Your access to natural gas will not be impacted by our legal proceedings, and your service will remain affordable, reliable, and safe.