WA SB5821

Department of Commerce must develop and publish a nuclear power strategic framework by December 15, 2026, contingent on receiving sufficient nonstate funding to cover all costs

Framework must identify state objectives for new fission nuclear power generation, outline processes for financing, siting, permitting, tribal consultation, and workforce issues, and assess challenges and opportunities

Policy recommendations must consider expediting state permitting to avoid redundancy with federal regulations, providing preference for nuclear siting at former Hanford site locations and retired coal/natural gas plant sites, and mitigating financial risks for projects

Framework must address potential strategic partnerships with neighboring states to reduce costs through economies of scale and coordinated multistate actions

Current state energy strategy (last updated 2020) is cited as outdated, with approximately 19% of Washington's electricity still coming from emitting sources that must be replaced to meet the state's 2030 greenhouse gas neutral and 2045 nonemitting electricity requirements