AN ACT Relating to the development of a state plan to implement federal regulations on electric generation facilities; and adding a new section to chapter 80.80 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 80.80 RCW to read as follows:

In developing, adopting, and implementing a state plan to comply with the requirements of the federal rule relating to greenhouse gas emissions from existing electric generation facilities published in the federal register on October 23, 2015, (80 FR 64966), the department must select a mass-based compliance option that:

(1) Maintains state flexibility to achieve compliance using market-based tools;

(2) Avoids redundant or burdensome regulation on electric generation facilities by taking into consideration the greenhouse gas emissions performance standard established in this chapter; and

(3) Includes participation in a regional or multistate program or in interstate allowance auctions such that:

(a) The state's opportunity to realize benefit is maximized at the least cost to electric generation facilities;

(b) The current diversification of the state's electric generation sources is not diminished; and

(c) The state plan prioritizes the investment of any benefit that may accrue to the state in strategies to reduce the power bills of low-income families and ratepayers.

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