WA
Washington House Bill HB2429

Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB2429

Introduced
1/18/24  

Caption

Concerning the process to make recommendations for a project by the energy facility site evaluation council.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2429 is expected to modify existing regulations regarding the evaluation of energy facility projects, thus having wider implications for the state's energy policy framework. The bill may help reduce unnecessary delays in project approvals, thereby accelerating the construction and implementation of energy facilities that are essential for meeting the state's energy needs. This could lead to increased investment in energy infrastructure, ultimately benefiting both the economy and energy consumers.

Summary

House Bill 2429 focuses on the procedural aspects of how recommendations are made for projects evaluated by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. The bill aims to streamline the process, potentially making it easier and more efficient for energy projects to move forward through the evaluation system. Proponents argue that the streamlined approach will enhance the capacity of the council to handle project recommendations, which is vital given the increasing demand for energy infrastructure and development in the state.

Contention

Despite its intentions, HB 2429 is not without its critics. Some stakeholders fear that streamlining the evaluation process might compromise thoroughness and oversight, potentially leading to projects that could have adverse environmental or community impacts being approved too quickly. The balance between fostering energy development and ensuring robust environmental protections has been a point of contention in discussions surrounding the bill. Critics advocate for maintaining stringent evaluation processes to protect local ecosystems and communities from rapid and possibly reckless energy development.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA SB5015

Increasing efficiency at the energy facility site evaluation council by removing the governor from the project approval process.

WA HB1188

Requiring local government and tribal approval of wind and solar siting recommendations by the energy facility site evaluation council.

WA HB1237

Facilitating predictable and timely application decisions by the energy facility site evaluation council.

WA SB5167

Eliminating expedited processing of alternative energy resource facilities fueled by solar or wind energy on certain designated lands before the energy facility site evaluation council.

WA SB5246

Facilitating predictable and timely application decisions by the energy facility site evaluation council.

WA HB1123

Supporting local and tribal control of clean energy facility siting by altering the authority of the energy facility site evaluation council.

WA SB5283

Prohibiting the energy facility site evaluation council from preempting local laws that forbid the siting of certain storage facilities in critical areas.

WA SB5317

Exempting local governments providing certain services for projects under the jurisdiction of the energy facility siting evaluation council from certain appeals.

WA HB2468

Concerning the siting of child care facilities.

WA SB6225

Concerning siting wind energy facilities to avoid interference with military installations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.