BILL REQ. #:  S-3043.1 



_____________________________________________ 

SENATE BILL 6170
_____________________________________________
State of Washington61st Legislature2009 Regular Session

By Senators Hobbs and Prentice

  



     AN ACT Relating to environmental tax incentives; amending RCW 81.104.170, 82.14.050, 82.14.060, 82.04.263, 82.04.294, 82.08.9651, 82.12.9651, 82.16.110, 82.16.120, 82.16.130, 82.08.890, 82.12.890, and 82.08.020; adding new sections to chapter 82.08 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 82.12 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.14 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.04 RCW; creating new sections; repealing RCW 82.08.813 and 82.12.813; providing effective dates; providing expiration dates; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

PART I
Renewable Energy

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 101   A new section is added to chapter 82.08 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in section 103 of this act, purchasers who have paid the tax imposed by RCW 82.08.020 on machinery and equipment used directly in generating electricity using fuel cells, wind, sun, biomass energy, tidal or wave energy, geothermal resources, anaerobic digestion, technology that converts otherwise lost energy from exhaust, or landfill gas as the principal source of power, or to sales of or charges made for labor and services rendered in respect to installing such machinery and equipment, are eligible for a partial exemption in the form of a remittance, but only if the purchaser develops with such machinery, equipment, and labor a facility capable of generating not less than two hundred watts of electricity. The amount of the exemption is equal to fifty percent of the state and local sales tax paid.
     (2) For purposes of this section and section 102 of this act, the following definitions apply:
     (a) "Biomass energy" has the same meaning as in RCW 19.285.030.
     (b) "Fuel cell" means an electrochemical reaction that generates electricity by combining atoms of hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst.
     (c) "Landfill gas" means biomass fuel, of the type qualified for federal tax credits under Title 26 U.S.C. Sec. 29 of the federal internal revenue code, collected from a "landfill" as defined under RCW 70.95.030.
     (d)(i) "Machinery and equipment" means fixtures, devices, and support facilities that are integral and necessary to the generation of electricity using fuel cells, wind, sun, biomass energy, tidal or wave energy, geothermal resources, anaerobic digestion, technology that converts otherwise lost energy from exhaust, or landfill gas as the principal source of power.
     (ii) "Machinery and equipment" does not include: (A) Hand-powered tools; (B) property with a useful life of less than one year; (C) repair parts required to restore machinery and equipment to normal working order; (D) replacement parts that do not increase productivity, improve efficiency, or extend the useful life of machinery and equipment; (E) buildings; or (F) building fixtures that are not integral and necessary to the generation of electricity that are permanently affixed to and become a physical part of a building.
     (3)(a) Machinery and equipment is "used directly" in generating electricity by wind energy, solar energy, biomass energy, tidal or wave energy, geothermal resources, anaerobic digestion, technology that converts otherwise lost energy from exhaust, or landfill gas power if it provides any part of the process that captures the energy of the wind, sun, biomass energy, tidal or wave energy, geothermal resources, anaerobic digestion, technology that converts otherwise lost energy from exhaust, or landfill gas, converts that energy to electricity, and stores, transforms, or transmits that electricity for entry into or operation in parallel with electric transmission and distribution systems.
     (b) Machinery and equipment is "used directly" in generating electricity by fuel cells if it provides any part of the process that captures the energy of the fuel, converts that energy to electricity, and stores, transforms, or transmits that electricity for entry into or operation in parallel with electric transmission and distribution systems.
     (4)(a) A purchaser claiming an exemption in the form of a remittance under this section must pay the tax imposed by RCW 82.08.020 and all applicable local sales taxes imposed under the authority of chapters 82.14 and 81.104 RCW. The purchaser may then apply to the department for remittance in a form and manner prescribed by the department. A purchaser may not apply for a remittance under this section more frequently than once per quarter. The purchaser must specify the amount of exempted tax claimed and the qualifying purchases for which the exemption is claimed. The purchaser must retain, in adequate detail, records to enable the department to determine whether the purchaser is entitled to an exemption under this section, including: Invoices; proof of tax paid; and documents describing the machinery and equipment.
     (b) The department must determine eligibility under this section based on the information provided by the purchaser, which is subject to audit verification by the department. The department must on a quarterly basis remit exempted amounts to qualifying purchasers who submitted applications during the previous quarter.
     (5) This section expires July 1, 2013.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 102   A new section is added to chapter 82.12 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in section 104 of this act, consumers who have paid the tax imposed by RCW 82.12.020 on machinery and equipment used directly in generating electricity using fuel cells, wind, sun, biomass energy, tidal or wave energy, geothermal resources, anaerobic digestion, technology that converts otherwise lost energy from exhaust, or landfill gas as the principal source of power, or to sales of or charges made for labor and services rendered in respect to installing such machinery and equipment, are eligible for a partial exemption in the form of a remittance, but only if the purchaser develops with such machinery, equipment, and labor a facility capable of generating not less than two hundred watts of electricity. The amount of the exemption is equal to fifty percent of state and local taxes paid.
     (2)(a) A person claiming an exemption in the form of a remittance under this section must pay the tax imposed by RCW 82.12.020 and all applicable local use taxes imposed under the authority of chapters 82.14 and 81.104 RCW. The consumer may then apply to the department for remittance in a form and manner prescribed by the department. A consumer may not apply for a remittance under this section more frequently than once per quarter. The consumer must specify the amount of exempted tax claimed and the qualifying purchases or acquisitions for which the exemption is claimed. The consumer must retain, in adequate detail, records to enable the department to determine whether the consumer is entitled to an exemption under this section, including: Invoices; proof of tax paid; and documents describing the machinery and equipment.
     (b) The department must determine eligibility under this section based on the information provided by the consumer, which is subject to audit verification by the department. The department must on a quarterly basis remit exempted amounts to qualifying consumers who submitted applications during the previous quarter.
     (3) Purchases exempt under section 101 of this act are also exempt from the tax imposed under RCW 82.12.020.
     (4) The definitions in section 101 of this act apply to this section.
     (5) This section expires June 30, 2013.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 103   A new section is added to chapter 82.08 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The tax levied by RCW 82.08.020 does not apply to sales of machinery and equipment used directly in generating electricity using solar energy, or to sales of or charges made for labor and services rendered in respect to installing such machinery and equipment, but only if the purchaser develops with such machinery, equipment, and labor a facility capable of generating not more than ten kilowatts of electricity and provides the seller with an exemption certificate in a form and manner prescribed by the department. The seller must retain a copy of the certificate for the seller's files.
     (2) For purposes of this section and section 104 of this act:
     (a) "Machinery and equipment" means industrial fixtures, devices, and support facilities that are integral and necessary to the generation of electricity using solar energy;
     (b) "Machinery and equipment" does not include: (i) Hand-powered tools; (ii) property with a useful life of less than one year; (iii) repair parts required to restore machinery and equipment to normal working order; (iv) replacement parts that do not increase productivity, improve efficiency, or extend the useful life of machinery and equipment; (v) buildings; or (vi) building fixtures that are not integral and necessary to the generation of electricity that are permanently affixed to and become a physical part of a building; and
     (c) Machinery and equipment is "used directly" in generating electricity with solar energy if it provides any part of the process that captures the energy of the sun, converts that energy to electricity, and stores, transforms, or transmits that electricity for entry into or operation in parallel with electric transmission and distribution systems.
     (3) This section expires June 30, 2013.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 104   A new section is added to chapter 82.12 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The provisions of this chapter do not apply with respect to machinery and equipment used directly in generating not more than ten kilowatts of electricity using solar energy, or to the use of labor and services rendered in respect to installing such machinery and equipment.
     (2) The definitions in section 103 of this act apply to this section.
     (3) This section expires June 30, 2013.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 105   A new section is added to chapter 82.14 RCW to read as follows:
     The exemptions in sections 101 through 104 of this act are for the state and local sales and use taxes and include the sales and use taxes imposed under the authority of this chapter.

Sec. 106   RCW 81.104.170 and 1997 c 450 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Cities that operate transit systems, county transportation authorities, metropolitan municipal corporations, public transportation benefit areas, and regional transit authorities may submit an authorizing proposition to the voters and if approved by a majority of persons voting, fix and impose a sales and use tax in accordance with the terms of this chapter, solely for the purpose of providing high capacity transportation service.
     (2) The tax authorized pursuant to this section shall be in addition to the tax authorized by RCW 82.14.030 and shall be collected from those persons who are taxable by the state pursuant to chapters 82.08 and 82.12 RCW upon the occurrence of any taxable event within the taxing district. The maximum rate of such tax shall be approved by the voters and shall not exceed one percent of the selling price (in the case of a sales tax) or value of the article used (in the case of a use tax). The maximum rate of such tax that may be imposed shall not exceed nine-tenths of one percent in any county that imposes a tax under RCW 82.14.340, or within a regional transit authority if any county within the authority imposes a tax under RCW 82.14.340.
     (3)(a) The exemptions in RCW 82.08.820 and 82.12.820 are for the state portion of the sales and use tax and do not extend to the tax authorized in this section.
     (b) The exemptions in sections 101 and 102 of this act are for the state and local sales and use taxes and include the tax authorized by this section.

Sec. 107   RCW 82.14.050 and 2005 c 336 s 20 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The counties, cities, and transportation authorities under RCW 82.14.045, public facilities districts under chapters 36.100 and 35.57 RCW, public transportation benefit areas under RCW 82.14.440, regional transportation investment districts, and transportation benefit districts under chapter 36.73 RCW shall contract, prior to the effective date of a resolution or ordinance imposing a sales and use tax, the administration and collection to the state department of revenue, which shall deduct a percentage amount, as provided by contract, not to exceed two percent of the taxes collected for administration and collection expenses incurred by the department. The remainder of any portion of any tax authorized by this chapter that is collected by the department of revenue shall be deposited by the state department of revenue in the local sales and use tax account hereby created in the state treasury. Moneys in the local sales and use tax account may be ((spent)) withdrawn only for:
     (a) D
istribution to counties, cities, transportation authorities, public facilities districts, public transportation benefit areas, regional transportation investment districts, and transportation benefit districts imposing a sales and use tax; and
     (b) Making refunds of taxes imposed under the authority of this chapter and RCW 81.104.170 and exempted under sections 101 and 102 of this act
.
     (2) All administrative provisions in chapters 82.03, 82.08, 82.12, and 82.32 RCW, as they now exist or may hereafter be amended, shall, insofar as they are applicable to state sales and use taxes, be applicable to taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter.
     (3) Counties, cities, transportation authorities, public facilities districts, and regional transportation investment districts may not conduct independent sales or use tax audits of sellers registered under the streamlined sales tax agreement.
     (4) Except as provided in RCW 43.08.190, all earnings of investments of balances in the local sales and use tax account shall be credited to the local sales and use tax account and distributed to the counties, cities, transportation authorities, public facilities districts, public transportation benefit areas, regional transportation investment districts, and transportation benefit districts monthly.

Sec. 108   RCW 82.14.060 and 2005 c 336 s 21 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) Monthly, the state treasurer ((shall make distribution)) must distribute from the local sales and use tax account to the counties, cities, transportation authorities, public facilities districts, and transportation benefit districts the amount of tax collected on behalf of each taxing authority, less:
     (i) T
he deduction provided for in RCW 82.14.050; and
     (ii) The amount of any refunds of local sales and use taxes exempted under sections 101 and 102 of this act, which must be made without appropriation
.
     (b) The state treasurer shall make the distribution under this section without appropriation.
     (2) In the event that any ordinance or resolution imposes a sales and use tax at a rate in excess of the applicable limits contained herein, such ordinance or resolution shall not be considered void in toto, but only with respect to that portion of the rate which is in excess of the applicable limits contained herein.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 109   A new section is added to chapter 82.12 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the expiration of RCW 82.12.02567 and section 102 of this act do not require the payment of, or authorize the department to assess, use tax imposed by or under the authority of RCW 82.12.020, 81.104.170, and chapter 82.14 RCW, on the use of machinery and equipment, and labor and services rendered in respect to installing such machinery and equipment, if such use qualified for the exemption under RCW 82.12.02567 or section 102 of this act immediately preceding the expiration date of the applicable exemption under RCW 82.12.02567 or section 102 of this act.
     (2) Subsection (1) of this section does not prohibit the department from assessing, subject to the limitations period in RCW 82.32.050, state and local use taxes on the use of machinery and equipment, and labor and services rendered in respect to installing such machinery and equipment, if, before the expiration of the applicable exemption provided in RCW 82.12.02567 or section 102 of this act, the machinery and equipment was put to a use that is outside of the scope of the applicable exemption in RCW 82.12.02567 or section 102 of this act.

PART II
Radioactive Waste Cleanup

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 201   (1) The legislature finds that the cleaning up of radioactive waste at the Hanford site is crucial to the environment in this state. The legislature intends to include services supporting the cleanup within the radioactive waste clean-up business and occupation tax classification, but it is not the legislature's intent to extend the radioactive waste clean-up classification to all business activities conducted at the Hanford site or performed for persons engaged in the performance of cleanup.
     (2) It is the legislature's intent in enacting this legislation to ensure that the radioactive waste clean-up business and occupation tax classification applies to all services contributing to the performance of a clean-up project at the Hanford site other than services that are routinely provided to any business, including businesses that are not engaged in clean-up activities.

Sec. 202   RCW 82.04.263 and 1996 c 112 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Upon every person engaging within this state in the business of cleaning up for the United States, or its instrumentalities, radioactive waste and other by-products of weapons production and nuclear research and development; as to such persons the amount of the tax with respect to such business shall be equal to the ((value of the)) gross income of the business multiplied by the rate of 0.471 percent.
     (2) For the purposes of this chapter, "cleaning up radioactive waste and other by-products of weapons production and nuclear research and development" means:
     (a) T
he activities of handling, storing, treating, immobilizing, stabilizing, or disposing of radioactive waste, radioactive tank waste and capsules, nonradioactive hazardous solid and liquid wastes, or spent nuclear fuel;
     (b) Spent nuclear fuel conditioning;
     (c) Removal of contamination in soils and groundwater;
     (d) Decontamination and decommissioning of facilities; and ((activities integral and necessary to the direct performance of cleanup)) (e) Services supporting the performance of cleanup. For the purposes of this subsection (2)(e), a service supports the performance of cleanup if it:
     (i) Is within the scope of work under a clean-up contract with the United States department of energy; or
     (ii) Assists in the accomplishment of a requirement of a clean-up project undertaken by the United States department of energy under a subcontract entered into with the prime contractor or another subcontractor in furtherance of a clean-up contract between the United States department of energy and a prime contractor.
     (3) A service does not assist in the accomplishment of a requirement of a clean-up project undertaken by the United States department of energy if the same services are routinely provided to businesses not engaged in clean-up activities, except that the following services are always deemed to contribute to the accomplishment of a requirement of a clean-up project undertaken by the United States department of energy:
     (a) Information technology and computer support services;
     (b) Services rendered in respect to infrastructure; and
     (c) Security, safety, and health services.
     (4) The legislature intends that the examples provided in this subsection be used as a guideline when determining whether a service is "routinely provided to businesses not engaged in clean-up activities" as that phrase is used in subsection (3) of this section.
     (a) The radioactive waste clean-up classification does not apply to general accounting services but does apply to performance audits performed for persons cleaning up radioactive waste.
     (b) The radioactive waste clean-up classification does not apply to general legal services but does apply to those legal services that assist in the accomplishment of a requirement of a clean-up project undertaken by the United States department of energy. Thus, legal services provided to contest any local, state, or federal tax liability or to defend a company against a workers' compensation claim arising from a worksite injury do not qualify for the radioactive waste clean-up classification. But, legal services related to the resolution of a contractual dispute between the parties to a clean-up contract between the United States department of energy and a prime contractor do qualify.
     (c) General office janitorial services do not qualify for the radioactive waste clean-up classification, but the specialized cleaning of equipment exposed to radioactive waste does qualify
.

PART III
Hog Fuel Tax Relief

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 301   A new section is added to chapter 82.08 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The tax levied by RCW 82.08.020 does not apply to sales of hog fuel used to produce electricity, steam, heat, or biofuel. This exemption is available only if the buyer provides the seller with an exemption certificate in a form and manner prescribed by the department. The seller must retain a copy of the certificate for the seller's files.
     (2) For the purposes of this section the following definitions apply:
     (a) "Hog fuel" means wood waste and other wood residuals including forest derived biomass. "Hog fuel" does not include firewood or wood pellets; and
     (b) "Biofuel" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 43.325.010.
     (3) This section expires June 30, 2013.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 302   A new section is added to chapter 82.12 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The provisions of this chapter do not apply with respect to the use of hog fuel for production of electricity, steam, heat, or biofuel.
     (2) For the purposes of this section:
     (a) "Hog fuel" has the same meaning as provided in section 301 of this act; and
     (b) "Biofuel" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 43.325.010.
     (3) This section expires June 30, 2013.

PART IV
Biomass Energy Incentives

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 401   A new section is added to chapter 82.04 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) In computing the tax imposed under this chapter, harvesters are allowed a credit against the amount of tax otherwise due under this chapter, as provided in this section. The credit per harvested green ton of forest derived biomass sold, transferred, or used for production of electricity, steam, heat, or biofuel is as follows:
     (a) For forest derived biomass harvested October 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010, zero dollars;
     (b) For forest derived biomass harvested July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2013, three dollars;
     (c) For forest derived biomass harvested July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2015, five dollars.     
     (2) Credit may not be claimed for forest derived biomass sold, transferred, or used before the effective date of this section. The amount of credit allowed for a reporting period may not exceed the tax otherwise due under this chapter for that reporting period. Any unused excess credit in a reporting period may be carried forward to future reporting periods for a maximum of two years.
     (3) For the purposes of this section, "harvested" and "harvesters" are defined in RCW 84.33.035, and "biofuel" is defined in RCW 43.325.010.
     (4) This section expires June 30, 2015.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 402   A new section is added to chapter 82.08 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The tax levied by RCW 82.08.020 does not apply to sales of forest derived biomass used to produce electricity, steam, heat, or biofuel. This exemption is available only if the buyer provides the seller with an exemption certificate in a form and manner prescribed by the department. The seller must retain a copy of the certificate for the seller's files.
     (2) For purposes of this section, "biofuel" is defined in RCW 43.325.010.
     (3) This section expires June 30, 2013.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 403   A new section is added to chapter 82.12 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The provisions of this chapter do not apply with respect to the use of forest derived biomass for production of electricity, steam, heat, or biofuel.
     (2) For purposes of this section, "biofuel" is defined in RCW 43.325.010.
     (3) This section expires June 30, 2013.

PART V
Solar Energy Incentives

Sec. 501   RCW 82.04.294 and 2007 c 54 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) Beginning October 1, 2005, upon every person engaging within this state in the business of manufacturing solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of manufacturing solar grade silicon to be used exclusively in components of such systems; as to such persons the amount of tax with respect to such business shall, in the case of manufacturers, be equal to the value of the product manufactured, or in the case of processors for hire, be equal to the gross income of the business, multiplied by the rate of 0.2904 percent.
     (b) Beginning October 1, 2009, upon every person engaging within this state in the business of manufacturing solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of manufacturing solar grade silicon, silicon solar wafers, silicon solar cells, thin film solar devices, or compound semiconductor solar wafers to be used exclusively in components of such systems; as to such persons the amount of tax with respect to such business is, in the case of manufacturers, equal to the value of the product manufactured, or in the case of processors for hire, equal to the gross income of the business, multiplied by the rate of 0.275 percent.
     (2)(a) Beginning October 1, 2005, upon every person engaging within this state in the business of making sales at wholesale of solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of solar grade silicon to be used exclusively in components of such systems, manufactured by that person; as to such persons the amount of tax with respect to such business shall be equal to the gross proceeds of sales of the solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of the solar grade silicon to be used exclusively in components of such systems, multiplied by the rate of 0.2904 percent.
     (b) Beginning October 1, 2009, upon every person engaging within this state in the business of making sales at wholesale of solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of solar grade silicon, silicon solar wafers, silicon solar cells, thin film solar devices, or compound semiconductor solar wafers to be used exclusively in components of such systems, manufactured by that person; as to such persons the amount of tax with respect to such business is equal to the gross proceeds of sales of the solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules, or of the solar grade silicon to be used exclusively in components of such systems, multiplied by the rate of 0.275 percent.
     (3) Beginning October 1, 2009, silicon solar wafers, silicon solar cells, thin film solar devices, or compound semiconductor solar wafers are "semiconductor materials" for the purposes of RCW 82.08.9651 and 82.12.9651.
     (4)
The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section.
     (a) "Compound semiconductor solar wafers" means a semiconductor solar wafer composed of elements from two or more different groups of the periodic table.
     (b)
"Module" means the smallest nondivisible self-contained physical structure housing interconnected photovoltaic cells and providing a single direct current electrical output.
     (((b))) (c) "Photovoltaic cell" means a device that converts light directly into electricity without moving parts.
     (((c))) (d) "Silicon solar cells" means a photovoltaic cell manufactured from a silicon solar wafer.
     (e) "Silicon solar wafers" means a silicon wafer manufactured for solar conversion purposes.
     (f)
"Solar energy system" means any device or combination of devices or elements that rely upon direct sunlight as an energy source for use in the generation of electricity.
     (((d))) (g) "Solar grade silicon" means high-purity silicon used exclusively in components of solar energy systems using photovoltaic modules to capture direct sunlight. "Solar grade silicon" does not include silicon used in semiconductors.
     (((4))) (h) "Thin film solar devices" means a nonparticipating substrate on which various semiconducting materials are deposited to produce a photovoltaic cell that is used to generate electricity.
     (5)
This section expires June 30, 2014.

Sec. 502   RCW 82.08.9651 and 2006 c 84 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The tax levied by RCW 82.08.020 ((shall)) does not apply to sales of gases and chemicals used by a manufacturer or processor for hire in the production of semiconductor materials. This exemption is limited to gases and chemicals used in the production process to grow the product, deposit or grow permanent or sacrificial layers on the product, to etch or remove material from the product, to anneal the product, to immerse the product, to clean the product, and other such uses whereby the gases and chemicals come into direct contact with the product during the production process, or uses of gases and chemicals to clean the chambers and other like equipment in which such processing takes place. For the purposes of this section, "semiconductor materials" has the meaning provided in RCW 82.04.2404 and 82.04.294(3).
     (2) A person taking the exemption under this section must report under RCW 82.32.5351. No application is necessary for the tax exemption. The person is subject to all of the requirements of chapter 82.32 RCW.
     (3) This section expires twelve years after December 1, 2006.

Sec. 503   RCW 82.12.9651 and 2006 c 84 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The provisions of this chapter do not apply with respect to the use of gases and chemicals used by a manufacturer or processor for hire in the production of semiconductor materials. This exemption is limited to gases and chemicals used in the production process to grow the product, deposit or grow permanent or sacrificial layers on the product, to etch or remove material from the product, to anneal the product, to immerse the product, to clean the product, and other such uses whereby the gases and chemicals come into direct contact with the product during the production process, or uses of gases and chemicals to clean the chambers and other like equipment in which such processing takes place. For purposes of this section, "semiconductor materials" has the meaning provided in RCW 82.04.2404 and 82.04.294(3).
     (2) A person taking the exemption under this section must report under RCW 82.32.5351. No application is necessary for the tax exemption. The person is subject to all of the requirements of chapter 82.32 RCW.
     (3) This section expires twelve years after December 1, 2006.

Sec. 504   RCW 82.16.110 and 2005 c 300 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1)(a) "Community solar project" means:
     (i) A solar energy system owned by local individuals, households, nonprofit organizations, or nonutility businesses that is placed on the property owned by a cooperating local governmental entity that is not in the light and power business or in the gas distribution business; or
     (ii) A utility-owned solar energy system that is voluntarily funded by the utility's ratepayers where, in exchange for their financial support, the utility gives contributors a payment or credit on their utility bill for the value of the electricity produced by the project.
     (b) For the purposes of "community solar project" as defined in (a) of this subsection:
     (i) "Nonprofit organization" means an organization exempt from taxation under Title 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3) of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended, as of January 1, 2009; and
     (ii) "Utility" means a light and power business, an electric cooperative, or a mutual corporation that provides electricity service.
     (2)
"Customer-generated electricity" means a community solar project or the alternating current electricity that is generated from a renewable energy system located on an individual's, businesses', or local government's real property that is also provided electricity generated by a light and power business. Except for community solar projects, a system located on a leasehold interest does not qualify under this definition. "Customer-generated electricity" does not include electricity generated by a light and power business with greater than one thousand megawatt hours of annual sales or a gas distribution business.
     (((2))) (3) "Economic development kilowatt-hour" means the actual kilowatt-hour measurement of customer-generated electricity multiplied by the appropriate economic development factor.
     (((3))) (4) "Local governmental entity" means any unit of local government of this state including, but not limited to, counties, cities, towns, municipal corporations, quasi-municipal corporations, special purpose districts, and school districts.
     (5)
"Photovoltaic cell" means a device that converts light directly into electricity without moving parts.
     (((4))) (6) "Renewable energy system" means a solar energy system, an anaerobic digester as defined in RCW 82.08.900, or a wind generator used for producing electricity.
     (((5))) (7) "Solar energy system" means any device or combination of devices or elements that rely upon direct sunlight as an energy source for use in the generation of electricity.
     (((6))) (8) "Solar inverter" means the device used to convert direct current to alternating current in a photovoltaic cell system.
     (((7))) (9) "Solar module" means the smallest nondivisible self-contained physical structure housing interconnected photovoltaic cells and providing a single direct current electrical output.
     (((8) "Standards for interconnection to the electric distribution system" means technical, engineering, operational, safety, and procedural requirements for interconnection to the electric distribution system of a light and power business.))

Sec. 505   RCW 82.16.120 and 2007 c 111 s 101 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Any individual, business, ((or)) local governmental entity, not in the light and power business or in the gas distribution business, or a participant in a community solar project may apply to the light and power business serving the situs of the system, each fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2005, for an investment cost recovery incentive for each kilowatt-hour from a customer-generated electricity renewable energy system ((installed on its property that is not interconnected to the electric distribution system)). No incentive may be paid for kilowatt-hours generated before July 1, 2005, or after June 30, ((2014)) 2020.
     (2) ((When light and power businesses serving eighty percent of the total customer load in the state adopt uniform standards for interconnection to the electric distribution system, any individual, business, or local governmental entity, not in the light and power business or in the gas distribution business, may apply to the light and power business serving the situs of the system, each fiscal year, for an investment cost recovery incentive for each kilowatt-hour from a customer-generated electricity renewable energy system installed on its property that is not interconnected to the electric distribution system and from a customer-generated electricity renewable energy system installed on its property that is interconnected to the electric distribution system. Uniform standards for interconnection to the electric distribution system means those standards established by light and power businesses that have ninety percent of total requirements the same. No incentive may be paid for kilowatt-hours generated before July 1, 2005, or after June 30, 2014.
     (3)
))(a) Before submitting for the first time the application for the incentive allowed under subsection (4) of this section, the applicant ((shall)) must submit to the department of revenue and to the climate and rural energy development center at the Washington State University, established under RCW 28B.30.642, a certification in a form and manner prescribed by the department that includes, but is not limited to, the following information:
     (i) The name and address of the applicant and location of the renewable energy system;
     (ii) The applicant's tax registration number;
     (iii) That the electricity produced by the applicant meets the definition of "customer-generated electricity" and that the renewable energy system produces electricity with:
     (A) Any solar inverters and solar modules manufactured in Washington state;
     (B) A wind generator powered by blades manufactured in Washington state;
     (C) A solar inverter manufactured in Washington state;
     (D) A solar module manufactured in Washington state; or
     (E) Solar or wind equipment manufactured outside of Washington state;
     (iv) That the electricity can be transformed or transmitted for entry into or operation in parallel with electricity transmission and distribution systems;
     (v) The date that the renewable energy system received its final electrical permit from the applicable local jurisdiction.
     (b) Within thirty days of receipt of the certification the department of revenue ((shall)) must notify the applicant by mail, or electronically as provided in RCW 82.32.135, whether the renewable energy system qualifies for an incentive under this section. The department may consult with the climate and rural energy development center to determine eligibility for the incentive. System certifications and the information contained therein are subject to disclosure under RCW 82.32.330(3)(m).
     (((4))) (3)(a) By August 1st of each year application for the incentive shall be made to the light and power business serving the situs of the system by certification in a form and manner prescribed by the department that includes, but is not limited to, the following information:
     (i) The name and address of the applicant and location of the renewable energy system;
     (ii) The applicant's tax registration number;
     (iii) The date of the notification from the department of revenue stating that the renewable energy system is eligible for the incentives under this section;
     (iv) A statement of the amount of kilowatt-hours generated by the renewable energy system in the prior fiscal year.
     (b) Within sixty days of receipt of the incentive certification the light and power business serving the situs of the system shall notify the applicant in writing whether the incentive payment will be authorized or denied. The business may consult with the climate and rural energy development center to determine eligibility for the incentive payment. Incentive certifications and the information contained therein are subject to disclosure under RCW 82.32.330(3)(m).
     (c)(i) Persons receiving incentive payments shall keep and preserve, for a period of five years, suitable records as may be necessary to determine the amount of incentive applied for and received. Such records shall be open for examination at any time upon notice by the light and power business that made the payment or by the department. If upon examination of any records or from other information obtained by the business or department it appears that an incentive has been paid in an amount that exceeds the correct amount of incentive payable, the business may assess against the person for the amount found to have been paid in excess of the correct amount of incentive payable and shall add thereto interest on the amount. Interest shall be assessed in the manner that the department assesses interest upon delinquent tax under RCW 82.32.050.
     (ii) If it appears that the amount of incentive paid is less than the correct amount of incentive payable the business may authorize additional payment.
     (((5))) (4) Except for community solar projects, the investment cost recovery incentive may be paid fifteen cents per economic development kilowatt-hour unless requests exceed the amount authorized for credit to the participating light and power business. For community solar projects, the investment cost recovery incentive may be paid thirty cents per economic development kilowatt-hour unless requests exceed the amount authorized for credit to the participating light and power business. For the purposes of this section, the rate paid for the investment cost recovery incentive may be multiplied by the following factors:
     (a) For customer-generated electricity produced using solar modules manufactured in Washington state, two and four-tenths;
     (b) For customer-generated electricity produced using a solar or a wind generator equipped with an inverter manufactured in Washington state, one and two-tenths;
     (c) For customer-generated electricity produced using an anaerobic digester, or by other solar equipment or using a wind generator equipped with blades manufactured in Washington state, one; and
     (d) For all other customer-generated electricity produced by wind, eight-tenths.
     (((6))) (5) No individual, household, business, or local governmental entity is eligible for incentives provided under subsection (4) of this section for more than ((two)) five thousand dollars per year. Each applicant in a community solar project is eligible for up to five thousand dollars per year.
     (((7))) (6) If requests for the investment cost recovery incentive exceed the amount of funds available for credit to the participating light and power business, the incentive payments shall be reduced proportionately.
     (((8))) (7) The climate and rural energy development center at Washington State University energy program may establish guidelines and standards for technologies that are identified as Washington manufactured and therefore most beneficial to the state's environment.
     (((9))) (8) The environmental attributes of the renewable energy system belong to the applicant, and do not transfer to the state or the light and power business upon receipt of the investment cost recovery incentive.

Sec. 506   RCW 82.16.130 and 2005 c 300 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A light and power business shall be allowed a credit against taxes due under this chapter in an amount equal to investment cost recovery incentive payments made in any fiscal year under RCW 82.16.120. The credit shall be taken in a form and manner as required by the department. The credit under this section for the fiscal year ((shall)) may not exceed ((twenty-five one-hundredths of)) one percent of the businesses' taxable power sales due under RCW 82.16.020(1)(b) or ((twenty-five)) one hundred thousand dollars, whichever is greater. Incentive payments to participants in a utility-owned community solar project as defined in RCW 82.16.110(1)(a)(ii) may only account for up to twenty-five percent of the total allowable credit. The credit may not exceed the tax that would otherwise be due under this chapter. Refunds shall not be granted in the place of credits. Expenditures not used to earn a credit in one fiscal year may not be used to earn a credit in subsequent years.
     (2) For any business that has claimed credit for amounts that exceed the correct amount of the incentive payable under RCW 82.16.120, the amount of tax against which credit was claimed for the excess payments shall be immediately due and payable. The department shall assess interest but not penalties on the taxes against which the credit was claimed. Interest shall be assessed at the rate provided for delinquent excise taxes under chapter 82.32 RCW, retroactively to the date the credit was claimed, and shall accrue until the taxes against which the credit was claimed are repaid.
     (3) The right to earn tax credits under this section expires June 30, ((2015)) 2020. Credits may not be claimed after June 30, ((2016)) 2021.

PART VI
Livestock Nutrient Incentives

Sec. 601   RCW 82.08.890 and 2006 c 151 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The tax levied by RCW 82.08.020 does not apply to sales to eligible persons of:
     (a) Qualifying livestock nutrient management equipment;
     (b) Labor and services rendered in respect to installing, repairing, cleaning, altering, or improving qualifying livestock nutrient management equipment; and
     (c)(i) Labor and
services rendered in respect to ((operating,)) repairing, cleaning, altering, or improving of qualifying livestock nutrient management ((equipment and)) facilities, or to ((sales of)) tangible personal property that becomes an ingredient or component of ((the equipment and)) qualifying livestock nutrient management facilities in the course of repairing, cleaning, altering, or improving of such facilities.
     (ii) The exemption provided in this subsection (1)(c) does not apply to the sale of or charge made for: (A) Labor and services rendered in respect to the constructing of new, or replacing previously existing, qualifying livestock nutrient management facilities; or (B) tangible personal property that becomes an ingredient or component of qualifying livestock nutrient management facilities during the course of constructing new, or replacing previously existing, qualifying livestock nutrient management facilities.
     (2)(((a) To be eligible, the equipment and facilities must be used exclusively for activities necessary to maintain a livestock nutrient management plan.
     (b)
)) The exemption provided in subsection (1) of this section applies to sales made after the livestock nutrient management plan is: (((i))) (a) Certified under chapter 90.64 RCW; (((ii))) (b) approved as part of the permit issued under chapter 90.48 RCW; or (((iii))) (c) approved as required under subsection (4)(c)(iii) of this section.
     (3)(a) The department of revenue must provide an exemption certificate to an eligible person upon application by that person. The department of agriculture must provide a list of eligible persons, as defined in subsection (4)(c)(i) and (ii) of this section, to the department of revenue. Conservation districts must maintain lists of eligible persons as defined in subsection (4)(c)(iii) of this section to allow the department of revenue to verify eligibility. The application must be in a form and manner prescribed by the department and must contain information regarding the location of the dairy or animal feeding operation and other information the department may require.
     (b) A person claiming an exemption under this section must keep records necessary for the department to verify eligibility under this section. The exemption is available only when the buyer provides the seller with an exemption certificate in a form and manner prescribed by the department. The seller must retain a copy of the certificate for the seller's files.
     (4) The definitions in this subsection apply to this section and RCW 82.12.890 unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
     (a) "Animal feeding operation" means a lot or facility, other than an aquatic animal production facility, where the following conditions are met:
     (i) Animals, other than aquatic animals, have been, are, or will be stabled or confined and fed or maintained for a total of forty-five days or more in any twelve-month period; and
     (ii) Crops, vegetation, forage growth, or postharvest residues are not sustained in the normal growing season over any portion of the lot or facility.
     (b) "Conservation district" means a subdivision of state government organized under chapter 89.08 RCW.
     (c) "Eligible person" means a person: (i) Licensed to produce milk under chapter 15.36 RCW who has a certified dairy nutrient management plan, as required by chapter 90.64 RCW; (ii) who owns an animal feeding operation and has a permit issued under chapter 90.48 RCW; or (iii) who owns an animal feeding operation and has a nutrient management plan approved by a conservation district as meeting natural resource conservation service field office technical guide standards and who possesses an exemption certificate under RCW 82.08.855.
     (d) (("Livestock nutrient management equipment and facilities" means machinery, equipment, and structures used in the handling and treatment of livestock manure, such as aerators, agitators, alley scrapers, augers, dams, gutter cleaners, loaders, lagoons, pipes, pumps, separators, and tanks. The term also includes tangible personal property that becomes an ingredient or component of the equipment and facilities, including repair and replacement parts)) "Handling and treatment of livestock manure" means the activities of collecting, storing, moving, or transporting livestock manure, separating livestock manure solids from liquids, or applying livestock manure to the agricultural lands of an eligible person other than through the use of pivot or linear type traveling irrigation systems.
     (e) "Permit" means either a state waste discharge permit or a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit, or both.
     (f) "Qualifying livestock nutrient management equipment" means the following tangible personal property for exclusive use in the handling and treatment of livestock manure, including repair and replacement parts for such equipment: (i) Aerators; (ii) agitators; (iii) augers; (iv) conveyers; (v) gutter cleaners; (vi) hard-hose reel traveler irrigation systems; (vii) lagoon and pond liners and floating covers; (viii) loaders; (ix) manure composting devices; (x) manure spreaders; (xi) manure tank wagons; (xii) manure vacuum tanks; (xiii) poultry house cleaners; (xiv) poultry house flame sterilizers; (xv) poultry house washers; (xvi) poultry litter saver machines; (xvii) pipes; (xviii) pumps; (xix) scrapers; (xx) separators; (xxi) slurry injectors and hoses; and (xxii) wheelbarrows, shovels, and pitchforks.
     (g) "Qualifying livestock nutrient management facilities" means the following structures and facilities for exclusive use in the handling and treatment of livestock manure: (i) Flush systems; (ii) lagoons; (iii) liquid livestock manure storage structures, such as concrete tanks or glass-lined steel tanks; and (iv) structures used solely for the dry storage of manure, including roofed stacking facilities.

Sec. 602   RCW 82.12.890 and 2006 c 151 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The provisions of this chapter do not apply with respect to the use by an eligible person of ((tangible personal property that becomes an ingredient or component of livestock nutrient management equipment and facilities, as defined in RCW 82.08.890, or to labor and services rendered in respect to repairing, cleaning, altering, or improving eligible tangible personal property)):
     (a) Qualifying livestock nutrient management equipment;
     (b) Labor and services rendered in respect to installing, repairing, cleaning, altering, or improving qualifying livestock nutrient management equipment; and
     (c)(i) Tangible personal property that becomes an ingredient or component of qualifying livestock nutrient management facilities in the course of repairing, cleaning, altering, or improving of such facilities.
     (ii) The exemption provided in this subsection (1)(c) does not apply to the use of tangible personal property that becomes an ingredient or component of qualifying livestock nutrient management facilities during the course of constructing new, or replacing previously existing, qualifying livestock nutrient management facilities
.
     (2)(a) To be eligible, the equipment and facilities must be used exclusively for activities necessary to maintain a livestock nutrient management plan.
     (b) The exemption applies to the use of tangible personal property ((or)) and labor and services made after the livestock nutrient management plan is: (i) Certified under chapter 90.64 RCW; (ii) approved as part of the permit issued under chapter 90.48 RCW; or (iii) approved as required under RCW 82.08.890(4)(c)(iii).
     (3) The exemption certificate and recordkeeping requirements of RCW 82.08.890 apply to this section. The definitions in RCW 82.08.890 apply to this section.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 603   The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:
     (1) RCW 82.08.813 (Exemptions -- High gas mileage vehicles) and 2005 c 296 s 2; and
     (2) RCW 82.12.813 (Exemptions -- High gas mileage vehicles) and 2005 c 296 s 4.

Sec. 604   RCW 82.08.020 and 2006 c 1 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) There is levied and there shall be collected a tax on each retail sale in this state equal to six and five-tenths percent of the selling price.
     (2) There is levied and there shall be collected an additional tax on each retail car rental, regardless of whether the vehicle is licensed in this state, equal to five and nine-tenths percent of the selling price. The revenue collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the multimodal transportation account created in RCW 47.66.070.
     (3) Beginning July 1, 2003, there is levied and collected an additional tax of three-tenths of one percent of the selling price on each retail sale of a motor vehicle in this state, other than retail car rentals taxed under subsection (2) of this section. The revenue collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the multimodal transportation account created in RCW 47.66.070.
     (4) For purposes of subsection (3) of this section, "motor vehicle" has the meaning provided in RCW 46.04.320, but does not include farm tractors or farm vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.180 and 46.04.181, off-road and nonhighway vehicles as defined in RCW 46.09.020, and snowmobiles as defined in RCW 46.10.010.
     (5) Beginning on December 8, 2005, 0.16 percent of the taxes collected under subsection (1) of this section shall be dedicated to funding comprehensive performance audits required under RCW 43.09.470. The revenue identified in this subsection shall be deposited in the performance audits of government account created in RCW 43.09.475.
     (6) The taxes imposed under this chapter shall apply to successive retail sales of the same property.
     (7)(a) Until January 1, 2011, the tax imposed in subsection (3) of this section and the dedication of revenue provided for in subsection (5) of this section, do not apply with respect to the sales of new passenger cars, light duty trucks, and medium duty passenger vehicles, which utilize hybrid technology and have a United States environmental protection agency estimated highway gasoline mileage rating of at least forty miles per gallon.
     (b) As used in this subsection, "hybrid technology" means propulsion units powered by both electricity and gasoline.
     (8)
The rates provided in this section apply to taxes imposed under chapter 82.12 RCW as provided in RCW 82.12.020.

PART VII
Miscellaneous

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 701   Part headings used in this act are not any part of the law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 702   Except for sections 603 and 604 of this act, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2009.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 703   Sections 603 and 604 of this act take effect August 1, 2009.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 704   Section 604 of this act expires January 1, 2011.

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