The bill seeks to streamline the energy facility site evaluation process by removing the governor's role in project approvals, thereby empowering the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to make independent final decisions. Key amendments include the council's transition from providing recommendations to issuing decisions on energy facility certifications, as reflected in the changes to RCW 80.50.040. The bill also repeals RCW 80.50.320, which previously outlined the governor's involvement, and introduces stricter conditions for carbon dioxide emissions mitigation, specifying a 20% mitigation requirement and establishing a per-ton mitigation rate. Additionally, the council is now required to prepare written reports that include decisions on applications and to hold public hearings prior to making these decisions.

Further amendments address greenhouse gas emissions performance standards for new baseload electric generation facilities, mandating compliance for those starting operations after June 30, 2008. The bill clarifies that coal-fired facilities emitting over 1,000,000 tons of greenhouse gases prior to 2008 must meet specific performance standards. It also introduces provisions for carbon sequestration plans and establishes rules for evaluating these plans. Changes to the permitting process for substantial developments include specified timeframes for appeals and public comment periods, as well as the burden of proof regarding environmental impact shifting to the appellant during court hearings. Overall, the bill aims to enhance efficiency in the evaluation and permitting processes while ensuring environmental protections are maintained.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 80.50.040, 80.50.045, 80.50.060, 80.50.071, 80.50.090, 80.50.100, 80.50.105, 80.50.130, 80.50.330, 80.70.020, 80.80.040, 90.48.262, 90.58.140, 80.50.320