The bill amends existing laws regarding the construction and certification of energy facilities in Washington State, specifically focusing on the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council's (EFSEC) consultation with federally recognized tribes. It expands the definition of energy facilities to include various types of facilities such as refined biofuel production, alternative energy resources, and fusion energy facilities, while ensuring that these facilities comply with the council's regulations. The bill emphasizes the importance of early and meaningful participation from affected tribes during the siting review and compliance monitoring processes, mandating that the council conduct government-to-government consultations to address tribal concerns.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that require the council to summarize the consultation process in its report to the governor, ensuring that tribes have the opportunity to review and request corrections to the summary before it is submitted. It also clarifies that attendance by a quorum of the council during these consultations does not constitute a meeting under the Open Public Meetings Act, provided there is no deliberation among council members. The bill aims to enhance collaboration between the council and tribal governments, ensuring that tribal resources and rights are considered in the energy facility certification process.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 80.50.060, 42.30.140