Everett Initiative Providing Legal Rights to Snohomish River Didn’t Hold Up in Court

I-5 Bridge Over Snohomish River in Everett

Last week, Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Jennifer Langbehn invalidated Everett Initiative 24-03, which passed in November 2024.

The initiative provided Snohomish River standing legal rights, allowing city residents to take legal action against activities within city limits that negatively impact the watershed’s health.

Everett Initiative 24-03 was put in front of Everett voters through efforts of Standing for Nature, a non-profit environmental group, and passed 56.7% to 43.3%.

After passing, the initiative was challenged in January local developers and the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. The complaint argued the initiative conflicted with both federal and state laws and centers around what the scope of authority of the people through a local initiative who adopt laws.

In a written order, the Snohomish County Superior Courts held that the initiative exceeds the scope of local initiative power and is therefore invalid.

Standing for Nature plans to appeal:

“We strongly disagree with the court’s decision to overturn what Everett voters so clearly chose,” said Rachel Kurtz-McAlaine, attorney for Standing for Nature.

“Today, if the river is harmed, the community cannot take action unless they can prove personal injury. That’s not justice. This measure changed that – finally allowing residents to defend the river itself. We’re disappointed that the court did not engage with the core legal issues at stake, but this story is far from over. Everett voters did something visionary for the Snohomish River, and we welcome the opportunity on appeal to fully test and clarify these legal questions.”