Bob Marconi from the Dickinson Wright Law Firm will discuss hot topics in construction law at our October 7 dinner meeting.  Construction law is constantly evolving, and it is important to receive updates on the latest news to protect your company.  Bob focuses on construction law and litigation, with extensive experience in public and private contracts, bid disputes, and claim and dispute resolution. He has handled complex construction-related issues across the Western United States, including multi-million-dollar claims involving both public and private owners.  Don’t miss this important event.  As always, we will be at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club with a 5pm social hour and 6pm dinner.  Please register before noon on October 5.  Many thanks.  Southern District dinner meeting - AGC of Washington

Extreme environmentalists on the State Building Code Council (SBCC) appointed by former Democrat Governor Inslee have been trying to ban natural gas in new residential and commercial construction for several years.  These extreme environmentalists do not care about the massive added upfront costs to residential and commercial developers when forcing electric heat pumps over natural gas.  These massive added upfront costs could delay or completely halt some residential and commercial construction projects.  AGC’s representative on the SBCC opposed the natural gas ban at every opportunity and instead promoted choice in energy sources.  In response to these extreme proposals, AGC joined a large coalition that promoted energy choice in new construction.  Our coalition won two six-month delays in the natural gas ban fight at the SBCC.  One delay came because of a potential conflict with federal law and the other delay came because of a concern that local building officials would not be ready to enforce a new energy code that included a natural gas ban.  Ultimately, the extreme environmentalists on the SBCC passed a natural gas ban.

From there, AGC joined a large coalition that would gather signatures for an initiative that would reverse the natural gas ban on new residential and commercial construction.  AGC members did an excellent job gathering signatures and ultimately Initiative 2066 was passed by the voters.  Not liking this outcome, extreme environmentalists challenged the will of the voters at the Superior Court level and were successful.  Additionally, extreme environmentalists were successful at the State Supreme Court (with a 6-3 vote of the Justices) saying that 2066 violated the state’s "single subject" rule for initiatives.  Twice judges overturned the will of the voters.

All is not lost.  In New York there is a challenge to restrictions on natural gas and that legal battle may ultimately make it to the United State Supreme Court.  In addition, because the State Supreme Court created a new standard with regards to "single subject" laws and initiatives when they overturned 2066, there could be implications both legislatively and with regards to future initiatives.

If you would like to read the majority and minority opinions of the 6-3 vote at the State Supreme Court, please click here. 1042400.pdf

Did your project team go above and beyond to overcome challenges and successfully deliver a WSDOT project? It’s time to get recognized!

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Partnership for Excellence in Contract Administration Awards, a joint AGC/WSDOT program celebrating outstanding contractor-WSDOT partnerships and the project teams behind them.

The awards recognize project teams that demonstrate exceptional collaboration in delivering transportation projects safely, efficiently, and professionally. Winning projects showcase what can happen when contractors and WSDOT work together to overcome challenges, communicate effectively, involve stakeholders, and find innovative ways to keep projects moving.

Award categories are available for projects of varying sizes in Eastern and Western Washington, as well as statewide categories for Design-Bid-Build projects over $10 million and Design-Build projects.

Eligible projects must be administered by WSDOT and have major construction activities completed. Contractors and WSDOT Project Engineers are encouraged to work together on nominations, although either party may initiate the process.

Get your nomination turned in by October 2!

Winning teams will be honored at the AGC/WSDOT Annual Meeting on January 7, 2027, where contractors and WSDOT leaders from across the state will come together to recognize the year’s outstanding projects and partnerships.

2026 nomination forms are available on the WSDOT/AGC Industry Partners webpage (you will need to scroll down to find the information).

For questions, contact Mike Niedringhaus at Mike.Niedringhaus@aecom.com.