WA SB5359

Establishes clean energy siting and development as a priority for the Department of Commerce, requiring the department to assemble information, conduct planning, and support tribes and local governments on clean energy projects

Authorizes the department to provide public information on clean energy technologies, develop guidance for community benefits agreements and project labor agreements, and support tribally led clean energy development with technical assistance and funding access

Directs the department to convene a work group on best practices for siting large-scale battery energy storage systems, with a report due to the governor and legislature by July 1, 2026

Amends RCW 43.330.120 to allow the department to help local governments integrate clean energy development into planning and zoning, and to provide alternative dispute resolution services for clean energy project siting disputes

Requires confidentiality protections for tribal information shared during alternative dispute resolution processes, exempting such information from public disclosure under chapter 42.56 RCW