Bob Ferguson
Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson. (GeekWire Photo / Dan DeLong)

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson plans to sue the federal government over its decision to repeal regulations known as net neutrality. He announced his intention to challenge the decision in court moments after the Federal Communications Commission vote.

Net neutrality protections prevented internet service providers, like Comcast and Verizon, from providing faster service for some sites over others, charging more for the “fast lane.” On the eve of today’s vote, Washington leaders announced a plan to maintain net neutrality for their constituents by making it difficult to do business in the state without upholding open internet standards.

“I was proud to stand with Gov. Inslee yesterday when he announced that Washington state will step up to protect consumers in light of this disappointing federal action,” Ferguson said in a statement Thursday. “I commend him for his leadership and look forward to continuing to work with him to that end.”

Update: A few hours after the, vote Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced plans to introduce a Congressional resolution to undo the FCC’s net neutrality repeal. The resolution will be introduced jointly with 15 of her colleagues in the Senate. It could overturn the FCC’s decision with a simple majority in both chambers of Congress.

Ferguson will be filing his lawsuit along with other attorneys general across the country. Read more about the FCC’s historic vote here.

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