The bill establishes a prioritization process for capital funding focused on decarbonizing state campus district energy systems in Washington. It creates a new committee within the Department of Energy, called the campus energy upgrades committee, which will consist of 11 voting members with expertise in relevant fields and two nonvoting advisory members. This committee is responsible for developing a project scoring and ranking process that aligns with existing energy standards, taking into account factors such as greenhouse gas emission reductions, project readiness, and cost savings. The committee is also required to report its prioritization framework and project recommendations to the governor and legislature, with the first report due by December 30, 2026.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for the governor's submission of capital budget documents, mandating a comprehensive long-range facilities plan and a prioritized list of facility deficiencies. It specifies that any capital appropriation for a state campus district energy system must align with the recommendations from the campus energy upgrades committee. The legislation also amends definitions related to energy use and building classifications, emphasizing energy performance standards for covered buildings and the responsibilities of building owners. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in capital budgeting while promoting energy efficiency and supporting the state's clean energy initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.88.030, 19.27A.200