Bill > HB1679

This bill encourages electric utilities to invest in advanced nuclear reactor projects as part of Washington state's Clean Energy Transformation Act compliance. The bill defines an advanced nuclear reactor as a nuclear fission reactor with significant safety improvements compared to existing reactors in the United States. It amends existing law to allow electric utilities to invest in advanced nuclear reactor projects as an alternative compliance option when meeting the state's requirement to transition to 100% greenhouse gas-neutral electricity by 2045. Specifically, the bill adds advanced nuclear reactor projects as a new alternative compliance mechanism, allowing utilities to use up to 20% of their compliance obligation through investments in these projects. The legislation emphasizes the potential benefits of advanced nuclear energy, including its role as a clean, firm energy source with low land-use requirements and the ability to provide high-paying jobs. The bill requires the Department of Commerce to develop rules for verifying and measuring investments in advanced nuclear reactor projects, ensuring they meet the state's clean energy transformation goals while providing a new pathway for utilities to achieve compliance with existing clean energy mandates.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1679&Year=2025&Initiative=false