Bill > SB5015

This bill aims to streamline the energy facility site evaluation process by removing the governor from the final project approval process and empowering the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to make the final decision directly. Currently, the council conducts a comprehensive review of energy facility proposals, considers all evidence and comments, and then makes a recommendation to the governor, who has the ultimate approval authority. The legislature believes that since the council is already the primary decision-maker and has thoroughly reviewed all aspects of a project, it should be authorized to make the final decision without an additional gubernatorial review step. The bill amends multiple sections of the Revised Code of Washington to replace references to the governor's role with language that gives the council full decision-making authority. This change is intended to improve the efficiency and speed of the site evaluation process by eliminating an extra administrative step. The bill would apply to various types of energy facilities, including electrical transmission facilities, alternative energy resources, and thermal electric generation facilities, among others.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5015&Year=2025&Initiative=false