Bill > SB5283

This bill modifies existing state law regarding the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) to prevent the council from preempting local land use laws that prohibit electricity storage facilities in critical areas. Specifically, the bill amends two sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to clarify that while the EFSEC generally has broad authority to override local zoning regulations for energy facilities, it cannot supersede local ordinances that forbid the siting of electricity storage facilities in critical areas, which are specifically defined in another state law (RCW 36.70A.030). During the public hearing process for proposed energy facilities, if the environmental impact is not significant, the council may only discuss whether local land use plans should be preempted, but cannot override local prohibitions on storing electricity facilities in designated critical areas. This change ensures that local jurisdictions retain some control over the placement of electricity storage facilities in environmentally sensitive locations, providing an additional layer of local environmental protection.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5283&Year=2025&Initiative=false