BILL REQ. #:  H-3726.1 

Prefiled 12/30/2005. Read first time 01/09/2006.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to expedited processing of energy facilities and alternative energy resources under the energy facility site evaluation council; and amending RCW 80.50.075.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 80.50.075 and 1989 c 175 s 172 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Any person ((required to file)) filing an application for certification of an energy facility or an alternative energy resource pursuant to this chapter may apply to the council for an expedited processing of such an application. The application for expedited processing shall be submitted to the council in such form and manner and accompanied by such information as may be prescribed by council rule. The council may grant an applicant expedited processing of an application for certification upon finding that((:
     (a))) the environmental impact of the proposed energy facility((;
     (b) The area potentially affected;
     (c) The cost and magnitude of the proposed energy facility; and
     (d) The degree to which the proposed energy facility represents a change in use of the proposed site
are)) is not significant ((enough to warrant a full review of the application for certification under the provisions of this chapter)) under RCW 43.21C.031 and the project is found to be consistent and in compliance with county or regional land use plans or zoning ordinances under RCW 80.50.090(2).
     (2) Upon granting an applicant expedited processing of an application for certification, the council shall not be required to:
     (a) Commission an independent study to further measure the consequences of the proposed energy facility or alternative energy resource on the environment, notwithstanding the other provisions of RCW 80.50.071; nor
     (b) Hold an adjudicative proceeding under chapter 34.05 RCW, the administrative procedure act, on the application.
     (3) The council shall adopt rules governing the expedited processing of an application for certification pursuant to this section.