Adding fusion energy to facilities that may obtain site certification for the purposes of chapter 80.50 RCW.

Summary

This bill expands Washington State's energy facility siting certification process to include fusion energy facilities, allowing them to undergo the same streamlined review and approval process currently available to other energy facilities like wind, solar, and traditional nuclear fission plants. The legislation amends chapter 80.50 RCW to explicitly distinguish between fusion and fission nuclear technologies, adding fusion to the list of facilities eligible for site certification through the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. By including fusion energy in the state's regulatory framework, the bill aims to facilitate the development of this emerging clean energy technology while ensuring it meets the same environmental and safety standards required of other energy facilities, supporting Washington's goals to reduce fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.

Bill history

1. Invalid Date · Senate
   First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.
2. Invalid Date · Senate
   Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 1:30 PM.
3. Invalid Date · Senate
   Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 10:30 AM.
4. Invalid Date · Senate
   ENET - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
5. Invalid Date · Senate
   Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
6. Invalid Date · Senate
   Senate Rules "X" file.
7. Invalid Date · Senate
   By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

Votes

Historical import. Session: 2025-2026