The bill aims to enhance the efficiency and predictability of application decisions made by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) in Washington State. Key amendments include a requirement for the council to conduct an informational public hearing within 60 days of receiving an application for site certification, ensuring that the hearing is held as close as possible to the proposed site. Additionally, the bill introduces a process for the director to notify project applicants of anticipated determinations regarding environmental impacts, allowing them the opportunity to withdraw and revise their applications before a formal determination is made. The council is also mandated to hold a public hearing to assess compliance with local land use plans before making recommendations to the governor.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a timeline for the council to report its recommendations to the governor within 12 months of receiving a complete application, with expedited processing for certain applications related to energy facilities in specific counties. It also outlines criteria for recommending approval of applications for various energy projects, emphasizing public benefits, environmental considerations, and community impacts. The bill repeals previous provisions related to expedited processing and the evaluation of council efficiency, streamlining the application process and enhancing the council's role in ensuring compliance with state energy goals.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 80.50.090, 80.50.100