Bill > SB6010

This bill modifies existing laws to enhance government-to-government consultation between the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) and federally recognized tribes regarding proposed energy facilities. Specifically, it amends RCW 80.50.060 to require that upon receiving an application for certification, EFSEC must offer to conduct consultations with tribes that have resources, rights, or interests potentially affected by the project, aiming to address concerns and find ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts. The bill also mandates that these consultations should include as many council members as possible if requested by the tribe, and clarifies that attendance by a quorum of the council during such consultations does not constitute a public meeting under chapter 42.30 RCW, provided no deliberation or commitments are made. Furthermore, it requires that the council's report to the governor include a summary of these consultations, which must be provided to the tribe for review and potential inclusion of corrections or their own summary. Additionally, the bill amends RCW 42.30.140, which outlines exceptions to public meeting requirements, by adding government-to-government consultation with federally recognized tribes as a specific exemption.