The bill seeks to advance carbon capture and utilization, mineralization, or sequestration technologies within the Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act, aligning with the state's goal to decarbonize its economy by 2050. It authorizes electric utilities to include electricity generated from natural gas systems that employ these carbon management technologies in their compliance with clean energy requirements for 2030 and 2045. Key amendments introduce a new definition for these technologies and clarify that natural gas systems using them are not considered traditional natural gas, facilitating their integration into the state's energy framework. The bill also establishes that all retail electricity sales must be greenhouse gas neutral by January 1, 2030, and outlines compliance requirements, including the use of carbon capture technologies.

Additionally, the legislation emphasizes the need for vulnerable populations to benefit from the clean energy transition and prohibits utilities from increasing overall fossil fuel usage. It mandates the development of four-year clean energy implementation plans by utilities, detailing targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy, while also proposing interim compliance targets. The bill allows for temporary exemptions for utilities under certain conditions and introduces compliance criteria based on incremental cost increases. It also clarifies the roles of regulatory bodies in enforcing compliance and establishes penalties for noncompliance, ensuring accountability as the state moves towards sustainable energy practices.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 19.405.020, 19.405.040, 19.405.050, 19.405.060, 80.86.020, 19.405.090, 19.405.160, 19.405.170