(1) In addition to the principles guiding the development and implementation of the state energy strategy described in RCW 43.21F.088, the state must ensure that the pursuit of cleaner energy sources actively includes and supports innovative, emerging, and promising clean energy technologies, such as fusion energy.

(2) For the purposes of this section, "fusion energy" means energy production derived directly or indirectly from the merger of atomic nuclei.

(3) The legislature finds that fusion energy is a rapidly advancing clean energy technology and that Washington is poised to become a world leader in fusion energy development.

Fusion energy work group—2024 c 346: "The energy facility site evaluation council and the department of health shall establish a fusion energy work group of state agencies including, but not limited to, the department of commerce, the department of ecology, the office of the governor, and the military department to identify and evaluate new and existing permitting, siting, licensing, and registration pathways for producing fusion energy. The fusion energy work group shall involve the regulated community throughout the process. The fusion energy work group shall provide an initial report to the governor and legislature by December 1, 2024." [ 2024 c 346 s 2.]