ESSB 5445: Encouraging utility investment in local energy resilience. (REVISED FOR ENGROSSED: Encouraging the development of distributed energy resources.)

What this bill does

Specifies the addition of an agrivoltaic facility to land classified as farm and agricultural land under the Open Space Taxation Act does not constitute a reclassification, withdrawal, or removal from farm and agricultural land classification and is not subject to additional tax. Creates a categorical exemption for certain distributed solar energy generation actions under the State Environmental Policy Act. Allows qualifying electric utilities to be in compliance with Energy Independence Act targets through any combination of eligible renewable resources and specific distributed energy priority projects.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

Floor votes

• House: Final Passage as Amended by the House · April 15, 2025
  96 yea · 1 nay · 1 not voting
• Senate: Final Passage as Amended by the House · April 22, 2025
  48 yea · 0 nay
• Senate: 3rd Reading & Final Passage · March 11, 2025
  46 yea · 2 nay · 1 not voting

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Other bills sponsored by Boehnke

• ESSB 5014: Concerning election security.
• SB 5034: Eliminating the expiration of the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team.
• SB 5036: Strengthening Washington's leadership and accountability on climate policy by transitioning to annual reporting of statewide emissions data.
• SSB 5074: Concerning payment of seed contracts.
• SB 5542: Expanding tuition waivers for high school completers at community and technical colleges.