H-2998.1

SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2117

ByHouse Environment & Energy (originally sponsored by Representatives Barnard, Donaghy, Graham, Dent, Bronoske, and Reeves)

AN ACT Relating to authorizing authorities to address aerial firefighting aspects as part of permitting processes for communities at risk of wildfires; adding a new section to chapter 35.63 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35A.63 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.70 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 80.50 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 35.63 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Upon receipt of an application to construct an alternative energy resource that is connected to electrical transmission facilities of a nominal voltage of at least 115,000 volts, the city or town shall provide written notification to the department of natural resources. The notification must include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) A description of the proposed alternative energy resource;

(b) The location of the site;

(c) The placement of the alternative energy resource on the site;

(d) The date and time by which comments must be received by the city or town; and

(e) Contact information of the city or town and the applicant.

(2) The purpose of the written notification is to provide an opportunity for the department of natural resources to comment upon the application, and to identify potential conflicts with its aerial wildfire response capabilities relating to the placement and operations of the alternative energy resource, before a construction permit is approved. The time period set forth by the city or town for receipt of such comments may not extend the time period for the city's or town's processing of the application.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 35A.63 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Upon receipt of an application to construct an alternative energy resource that is connected to electrical transmission facilities of a nominal voltage of at least 115,000 volts, the city shall provide written notification to the department of natural resources. The notification must include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) A description of the proposed alternative energy resource;

(b) The location of the site;

(c) The placement of the alternative energy resource on the site;

(d) The date and time by which comments must be received by the city; and

(e) Contact information of the city and the applicant.

(2) The purpose of the written notification is to provide an opportunity for the department of natural resources to comment upon the application, and to identify potential conflicts with its aerial wildfire response capabilities relating to the placement and operations of the alternative energy resource, before a construction permit is approved. The time period set forth by the city for receipt of such comments may not extend the time period for the city's processing of the application.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 36.70 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Upon receipt of an application to construct an alternative energy resource that is connected to electrical transmission facilities of a nominal voltage of at least 115,000 volts, the county shall provide written notification to the department of natural resources. The notification must include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) A description of the proposed alternative energy resource;

(b) The location of the site;

(c) The placement of the alternative energy resource on the site;

(d) The date and time by which comments must be received by the county; and

(e) Contact information of the county and the applicant.

(2) The purpose of the written notification is to provide an opportunity for the department of natural resources to comment upon the application, and to identify potential conflicts with its aerial wildfire response capabilities relating to the placement and operations of the alternative energy resource, before a construction permit is approved. The time period set forth by the county for receipt of such comments may not extend the time period for the county's processing of the application.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 80.50 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Upon receipt of an application pursuant to RCW 80.50.071 for an energy facility site certification proposing an energy plant or alternative energy resource that is connected to electrical transmission facilities of a nominal voltage of at least 115,000 volts, the council shall provide written notification to the department of natural resources. The notification must include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) A description of the proposed energy plant or alternative energy resource;

(b) The location of the site;

(c) The placement of the energy plant or alternative energy resource on the site;

(d) The date and time by which comments must be received by the council; and

(e) Contact information of the council and the applicant.

(2) The purpose of the written notification is to provide an opportunity for the department of natural resources to comment upon the application, and to identify potential conflicts with its aerial wildfire response capabilities relating to the placement and operations of the energy plant or alternative energy resource, before a site certification application is approved. The time period set forth by the council for receipt of such comments may not extend the time period for the council's processing of the application.

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