WA HB1819

Upgrading or rebuilding existing electric powerlines within existing rights-of-way becomes categorically exempt from State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review, including relocating small segments, widening rights-of-way to meet electrical standards, voltage increases, reconductoring, and adding utility poles

Exemptions do not apply when projects involve lands covered by water, or when a series of related actions together may have significant adverse environmental impact

Utilities must notify the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and federally recognized Indian tribes with usual and accustomed areas before commencing exempt projects, with tribal consultation required to identify and protect archaeological, cultural, or tribal resources

Clean energy action plans must now include evaluation of where reconductoring would yield meaningful improvements to increase ampacity, reduce line loss, or improve grid resilience

Information provided by tribes regarding cultural resources must be kept confidential and exempt from public disclosure