This bill amends Washington state law to include fusion energy facilities as eligible for site certification under chapter 80.50 RCW, aligning them with other energy facilities like fission nuclear power plants and alternative energy resources. It introduces provisions that require fusion energy facilities to obtain necessary licenses and registrations for radiation control from state or federal agencies, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The bill also updates definitions and criteria related to energy facilities, reflecting changes in capacity thresholds and operational requirements, with the aim of streamlining the application process and promoting clean energy development while minimizing environmental impacts.

Additionally, the bill mandates collaboration between the council, local governments, and federally recognized tribes during the siting review and compliance monitoring of proposed energy facilities, emphasizing meaningful participation to address concerns related to tribal resources or rights. The chair of the council is tasked with conducting government-to-government consultations with tribes and providing updates to the council. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for unfinished fission nuclear power projects, allowing certificate holders to transfer site restoration responsibilities to political subdivisions of the state, clarifying the definition of these subdivisions to encompass various local government entities.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 80.50.060
Substitute Bill: 80.50.010, 80.50.060, 80.50.300