issue area reports | energy and environment
HB 1990 was the second part of the wildfire conversation this year. It allows utilities to securitize costs related to disasters or emergencies for their consumers. If certain thresholds and parameters are met, utilities can use the bond markets to help cover those costs of rebuilding their transmission infrastructure in the case of certain catastrophic events, like an earthquake, flood or a wildfire. There was some conversation midway through session about this only applying towards electrical infrastructure, and excluding the natural gas system. However, AWB and members were able to push back on those efforts, ensuring the bill applies broadly towards the entire energy transmission network. AWB broadly supported this bill while being mindful of concerns about the potential costs to ratepayers.
HB 1819 increasing transmission capacity
Failed / AWB Supported sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco
HB 1819 was a SEPA categorical exemption bill for increasing capacity of transmission lines to help meet the state’ s energy needs. Under this bill, utilities would not have to go through the SEPA process to upgrade existing transmission lines. This made it a lot faster and a lot cheaper to improve existing transmission corridors. While it doesn’ t solve the larger problem of limited transmission capacity facing the state, it is a low-hanging solution to help ease some of the transmission crunch points on the network. There was some pushback within the AWB community about the costs this bill would shift to the rate base, acting as a
Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, is chair of the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee.
significant cost driver of rates. AWB started off being opposed to this bill, but some of the cost recovery language was removed and AWB was able to get to a position of support. The bill passed the House but did not advance in the Senate, which was unfortunate. AWB supported this bill as a bipartisan and low-cost solution to upgrade essential infrastructure.
SB 5466 transmission development authority
Failed / AWB Supported
Bill considered as part of AWB’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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