This bill aims to address the economic challenges faced by rural communities hosting renewable energy facilities, such as wind and solar production companies, which often do not reinvest their substantial revenues locally. The legislature recognizes that these companies frequently transfer earnings out of state, limiting opportunities for local economic development and exacerbating issues like underfunded infrastructure and reduced access to essential services. To promote a more equitable distribution of benefits, the bill proposes a local option tax that would allow counties to impose an additional excise tax on the sale or transfer of a controlling interest in renewable energy facilities.

Specifically, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 82.46 RCW, permitting county legislative authorities to impose a three percent excise tax on the selling price of renewable energy facilities, contingent upon approval by a majority of voters in the taxing district. The tax would be assessed on the seller and the proceeds would contribute to general county revenues. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, providing a mechanism for rural communities to secure additional funding from the renewable energy sector to support local development and infrastructure.