The bill focuses on enhancing the development of distributed alternative energy resources in Washington State while ensuring minimal disruption to natural habitats, communities, and agricultural lands. It introduces new sections to chapter 43.21F RCW that define specific categories of clean energy facilities, such as solar and wind energy generation, energy storage, and electricity demand management programs, which are prioritized as distributed energy initiatives. The legislation encourages the use of existing infrastructure for renewable energy projects and promotes the integration of solar energy systems with agricultural practices through the establishment of agrivoltaic facilities.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Ecology to streamline processes for clean energy projects with minimal environmental impact and allows for certain small-scale projects to be exempt from environmental review requirements. It amends the definition of "farm and agricultural land" to clarify classification criteria, including acreage and income thresholds, and introduces the term "agrivoltaic facility" to describe land that supports both agriculture and solar energy generation. The bill ensures that land classified under this chapter remains so for at least ten years, outlines conditions for reclassification without tax penalties, and emphasizes that the addition of agrivoltaic facilities does not trigger reclassification or additional tax implications, thereby promoting agricultural conservation alongside renewable energy integration.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.21C.530, 19.405.060, 19.405.090, 19.280.030, 84.34.020, 84.34.070, 36.70A.177, 36.70A.060
Substitute Bill: 43.21C.530, 84.34.020, 84.34.070
Second Substitute: 43.21C.530, 84.34.020, 84.34.070