WA SB5246

Requires the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) to hold an informational public hearing within 60 days of receiving a site certification application, located as close as practical to the proposed site

Limits adjudicative hearings to cases where proposed sites are found inconsistent with local land use plans or zoning ordinances, narrowing the scope to consider only whether such ordinances should be preempted

Establishes mandatory criteria for council approval of alternative energy, clean energy manufacturing, biofuel, fusion, storage, and electric transmission facilities, including greenhouse gas reduction contributions, environmental impact mitigation, and protections for overburdened communities

Requires the council to report recommendations to the governor within 12 months of receiving a complete application, with expedited 180-day processing for certain coal-county energy facility applications filed before December 31, 2025

Repeals existing provisions on expedited application processing (RCW 80.50.075) and governor evaluation of council efficiency (RCW 80.50.320)