This bill aims to address the economic challenges faced by rural communities in Washington that host renewable energy facilities, such as wind and solar farms. It highlights the issue that these companies often generate significant revenue but do not reinvest in the local economy, leading to underfunded infrastructure and limited resources for education and healthcare. To promote equitable economic development, the legislature 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, with the intention of reinvesting the proceeds back into the communities that support these operations.

The bill introduces a new section to chapter 82.46 RCW, allowing 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, and aims to create a more equitable distribution of the economic benefits derived from renewable energy projects in rural areas.