The bill establishes the "Commercial Liftoff for Energy from Advanced Nuclear Advisory Commission" in Washington State, recognizing nuclear energy as a safe and reliable nonemitting energy source essential for the state's transition to a decarbonized electricity grid by 2045. The commission aims to provide credible resources on nuclear energy, support the growth of the nuclear industry, and facilitate coordinated action across the nuclear energy value chain. It will consist of 13 voting members with expertise in nuclear energy, appointed by various educational institutions, government agencies, and organizations, ensuring a diverse representation of stakeholders.
The commission is empowered to establish necessary offices, appoint employees, set compensation, and hold meetings to discuss policies and plans for nuclear energy deployment. It is tasked with meeting at least five times a year to develop recommendations for siting and building additional nuclear facilities, which will be submitted to the governor and legislative committees every even-numbered year. The commission will also review relevant reports from the U.S. Department of Energy to inform its recommendations, with the first report due by October 1, 2026. This initiative is encapsulated in a new chapter added to Title 80 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).