Bill > HB1994

This bill allows counties to impose a localized excise tax on large-scale renewable energy facilities through a voter-approved ballot measure. The tax would be applied based on the nameplate capacity (total electrical output) of industrial-scale renewable energy facilities, with specific rates for different types of facilities and operational years: solar facilities would be taxed at $4,000-$4,500 per megawatt, wind energy facilities would be taxed at rates ranging from $800 to $6,300 per megawatt depending on the year of operation, and battery energy storage facilities would be taxed at $1,500 per megawatt hour. To be considered an "industrial-scale" facility, the renewable energy project must have a nameplate capacity of 50 megawatts or more. The tax would be automatically adjusted annually for inflation based on the Seattle area consumer price index, would be limited to a maximum of 30 years, and would require voter reauthorization. The bill is designed to provide local communities hosting large renewable energy projects with a mechanism to generate additional revenue, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1994&Year=2025&Initiative=false