2025 legislative review
Sen. Claire Wilson, D-Auburn, is the Senate assistant majority whip, chair of the Senate Human Services Committee and the vice chair, early learning, for the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee.
recommended by EFSEC. AWB opposed this bill because it would have made it harder, longer and more complicated to build these types of projects. AWB firmly believes that we need all energy options on the table, and slowing down one type of energy development is not helpful. While we appreciate that there are some concerns brought about the EFSEC process, we think they can better be addressed by reforms to the EFSEC agency, as opposed to providing local governments and tribes the veto ability for these projects, which would have added uncertainty to the cost of these programs.
HB 1804 improving accessibility of community solar projects
Failed / AWB Opposed sponsor: Rep. Jake Fey, D-Tacoma
This bill would have required utility rate payers to foot the bill for the installation of community benefit solar projects. AWB is opposed to this program, which raises rates for the installation of solar infrastructure used by private entities for largely private use. The broader rate class should not be responsible for covering the cost of providing solar to one or two or groups of buildings. This idea has come forward a couple of times. While AWB does not oppose programs that would expand solar generation, we believe the costs should stay with those who benefit directly from these programs and not be shared across the broader rate base.
HB 1522 concerning approval of electric utility wildfire mitigation plans
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor: Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake
The bill would have allowed electric utilities to have the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission review and approve their wildfire preparedness plan. If the utility followed their plans, which includes thinning of trees, and upgrading and maintaining equipment, they would be able to recover the costs associated with implementing the plan through rates at the UTC. This bill helps protect ratepayers from catastrophic wildfires, as well as also making sure that the utility is able to costeffectively prevent wildfires in the first place. AWB did work through some member concerns from timber companies, but broadly did support the policy of making sure that utilities are able to make their infrastructure more wildfire resilient.
HB 1990 authorizing utility companies to securitize certain costs related to disasters or emergencies to lower costs to customers
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor: Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia
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