Bill

Bill > HB1819


WA HB1819

Increasing transmission capacity.


summary

Introduced
02/04/2025
In Committee
03/14/2025
Crossed Over
03/12/2025
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT Relating to increasing transmission capacity; amending RCW 2 19.280.030; and adding new sections to chapter 43.21C RCW. 3

AI Summary

This bill aims to increase transmission capacity and streamline environmental review processes for electric utility infrastructure upgrades. The legislation creates two key provisions: First, it establishes a categorical exemption from environmental review requirements for utility-related actions like upgrading or rebuilding existing electric powerlines within existing rights-of-way, with specific conditions such as staying within previously disturbed lands and meeting certain electrical standards. Second, the bill requires utilities to notify and consult with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and federally recognized Indian tribes before commencing such projects, to ensure no archaeological, cultural, or tribal resources are inadvertently damaged. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to require electric utilities' integrated resource plans to include an evaluation of where reconductoring (upgrading electrical conductors) could improve grid functioning and reliability, and mandates consideration of opportunities to make more effective use of existing transmission capacity through various grid modernization strategies. The legislation is designed to facilitate infrastructure improvements while maintaining environmental protections and respecting tribal heritage.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading. (on 04/27/2025)

bill text


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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1819&Year=2025&Initiative=false
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill Report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/1819-S.E%20SBR%20ENET%20TA%2025.pdf
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill Report (Orig.) https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/1819-S.E%20SBA%20ENET%2025.pdf
Engrossed Substitute House Bill Report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/1819-S.E%20HBR%20APH%2025.pdf
BillText https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1819-S.E.pdf
Barnard 1819-S AMH BARN MCPH 121 https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Amendments/House/1819-S%20AMH%20BARN%20MCPH%20121.pdf
Barnard 1819-S AMH BARN MCPH 120 https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Amendments/House/1819-S%20AMH%20BARN%20MCPH%20120.pdf
Barnard 1819-S AMH BARN H1814.1 https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Amendments/House/1819-S%20AMH%20BARN%20H1814.1.pdf
House Bill Report https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/1819%20HBR%20ENVI%2025.pdf
BillText https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1819-S.pdf
House Bill Analysis 2025 https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/1819%20HBA%20ENVI%2025.pdf
BillText https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1819.pdf
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