The bill focuses on promoting the development of distributed alternative energy resources in Washington State while minimizing disruptions 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 defines "agrivoltaic facilities" as those that allow for simultaneous agricultural use alongside solar energy production. Additionally, it mandates the Department of Ecology to evaluate and expedite processes for clean energy projects with minimal environmental impact and includes provisions for exempting certain small-scale projects from existing environmental review requirements.

The bill also amends the definition of "farm and agricultural land," clarifying the criteria for land classification, particularly regarding size and income requirements. It specifies that parcels must be 20 acres or more, or between 5 and 20 acres with updated income thresholds. The introduction of "agrivoltaic facilities" is significant, as it allows for agricultural use alongside solar energy production without triggering reclassification or additional taxes. Furthermore, the bill outlines conditions for reclassifying land classified as "farm and agricultural conservation land" without incurring extra taxes and emphasizes the importance of maintaining agricultural land for commercial purposes while permitting incidental uses, such as wetlands preservation, as long as they do not exceed 20% of the classified land. Overall, the legislation aims to support agricultural operations while providing flexibility for landowners to adapt to evolving agricultural practices and technologies.

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