WA HB2509

Creates a smaller 3-member council (chair plus two governor-appointed members) specifically for reviewing electrical transmission facility applications, with members required to have expertise in environmental regulations, energy siting, land use, tribal consultation, and permitting

Establishes expedited processing pathways for solar, onshore wind, electricity storage, and transmission line facilities, requiring threshold environmental determinations within 90 days of complete application and mandatory tribal preapplication consultation

Allows wind generation facilities seeking repowering to begin construction activities (site preparation, foundations, access roads, transmission lines) prior to certification approval, at the applicant's risk

Grants categorical exemption from environmental review requirements (chapter 43.21C RCW) for wind facility repowering applications submitted before July 4, 2026, if proposed changes remain within existing approved project boundaries

Sets specific decisional criteria for transmission facility recommendations to the governor, including adequate public facilities, no material detriment to nearby properties, compliance with design standards and state/federal statutes, and practicable mitigation of environmental impacts