The bill aims to improve the siting and permitting processes for clean energy projects in Washington State, focusing on efficient measures to address climate change, enhance air quality, and promote economic growth through clean energy jobs. It establishes an Interagency Clean Energy Siting Coordinating Council to streamline permitting, facilitate environmental reviews, and ensure tribal participation. The bill introduces a designation for clean energy projects of statewide significance, requiring a coordinated permitting process managed by the Department of Commerce, which will review applications based on detailed project information and community engagement plans. Additionally, it mandates the preparation of nonproject environmental impact statements for certain clean energy initiatives and tasks Washington State University with developing a siting information process for pumped storage projects by June 30, 2025.

The legislation emphasizes early consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes and overburdened communities to address potential impacts and ensure their concerns are considered. It outlines a coordinated permitting process led by the Department of Ecology, requiring project proponents to enter cost-reimbursement agreements and development agreements with local jurisdictions to expedite applications. The bill also prohibits local governments from requiring applicants to demonstrate the necessity of electricity generation projects and prevents counties from prohibiting wind and solar resource evaluation equipment. Furthermore, it mandates stakeholder engagement in assessing the impacts of the clean energy transition on rural communities, with a report to provide recommendations for equitable distribution of benefits and costs.

Statutes affected:
Substitute Bill: 44.39.010, 44.39.012
Second Substitute: 44.39.010, 44.39.012
Engrossed Second Substitute: 44.39.010, 44.39.012
Bill as Passed Legislature: 44.39.010, 44.39.012
Session Law: 44.39.010, 44.39.012