Bill > HB1237

This bill modifies the procedures for the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) in processing and recommending energy facility applications. The bill changes several key aspects of the application process, including reducing the timeline for holding initial public hearings from 60 days to a more specific 60-day period, and establishing a more comprehensive set of criteria for recommending project approval. Specifically, the bill now requires the council to evaluate potential energy projects based on multiple factors, including contributions to greenhouse gas emission limits, public health and environmental benefits, tax and community benefits, job creation, and minimizing adverse environmental impacts. The bill introduces a more detailed framework for assessing projects, particularly for alternative energy resources, clean energy manufacturing facilities, biofuel production, fusion energy, storage, and electric transmission facilities. The legislation also provides the council with clearer guidelines for recommending project approval, such as ensuring projects do not present unreasonable health and safety risks and have reasonable decommissioning plans. Additionally, the bill repeals previous sections of law related to expedited processing and gubernatorial efficiency evaluations, streamlining the overall application and review process for energy facility projects in Washington state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1237&Year=2025&Initiative=false