(1) The legislature finds that based on current technology, there will likely need to be upgrades to electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure across the state to meet the goals specified in chapter 288, Laws of 2019. These facilities require a significant planning horizon to deliver electricity generation sites to retail electric load. Pursuant to RCW 80.50.040, the energy facility site evaluation council chair shall convene a transmission corridors work group and report its findings to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2022.
(2) The work group must include one representative from each of the following state agencies: The department of commerce, the utilities and transportation commission, the department of ecology, the department of fish and wildlife, the department of natural resources, the department of transportation, the department of archaeology and historic preservation, and the state military department. The work group shall also include two representatives designated by the association of Washington cities, one from central or eastern Washington and one from western Washington; two representatives designated by the Washington state association of counties, one from central or eastern Washington and one from western Washington; two members designated by sovereign tribal governments; one member representing affected utility industries; one member representing public utility districts; and two members representing statewide environmental organizations. The energy facility site evaluation council chair shall invite the Bonneville power administration and the United States department of defense to each appoint an ex officio work group member.
(3) The work group shall:
(a) Review the need for upgraded and new electricity transmission and distribution facilities to improve reliability, relieve congestion, and enhance the capability of the transmission and distribution facilities in the state to deliver electricity from electric generation, nonemitting electric generation, or renewable resources to retail electric load;
(b) Identify areas where transmission and distribution facilities may need to be enhanced or constructed; and
(c) Identify environmental review options that may be required to complete the designation of such corridors and recommend ways to expedite review of transmission projects without compromising required environmental protection.
(4) The energy facility site evaluation council may contract services to assist in the work group efforts.
(5) This section expires January 1, 2023.
[ 2019 c 288 § 25.]