Bill > HB1673

This bill establishes the Washington Electric Transmission Authority (WETA) to improve the state's electric transmission system's reliability, capacity, and resilience. The authority is created in response to the state's decarbonization goals, increasing electricity demand, and challenges posed by extreme weather events. WETA will be a nine-member board responsible for developing a comprehensive 20-year transmission needs assessment, creating a system enhancement roadmap, and coordinating transmission infrastructure improvements. The bill provides the authority with powers to enter into partnerships, engage in transmission planning, potentially own transmission equipment, and sell transmission projects. Key objectives include increasing access to renewable energy, supporting economic growth, maintaining affordable energy rates, and achieving clean electricity requirements. The bill also introduces incentives for electrical companies to invest in grid-enhancing technologies, such as an additional rate of return on investments in advanced transmission infrastructure. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions for categorical exemptions from environmental review for certain transmission upgrade projects and establishes two new state accounts to support the authority's operations and capital projects.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1673&Year=2025&Initiative=false