The newly enlarged Democratic majorities passed significant energy-related policies during the 2019 session. HB 1126, sponsored by Rep. Fey (D–Tacoma), provides helpful clarification for municipal electric utilities seeking to invest in distributed energy technology. One of the most significant energy bills this session was SB 5116, sponsored by Sen. Carlyle (D–Seattle), which requires utilities to eventually phase out coal and other greenhouse gas-emitting fuels. Many of the energy bills that passed this session won’t take full effect for a number of years and will likely be revisited by future legislatures.
Energy bills
|
Bill #
|
Description
|
Status
|
|
HB 1126
|
Enabling electric utilities to prepare for the distributed energy future.
|
Law; effective July 28, 2019
|
|
HB 1380
|
Providing an aggravating circumstance for assault against a utility worker.
|
Law; effective July 28, 2019
|
|
HB 1512
|
Concerning the electrification of transportation.
|
Law; effective July 28, 2019
|
|
SB 5116
|
Supporting Washington's clean energy economy and transitioning to a clean, affordable, and reliable energy future.
|
Law; effective May 7, 2019
|
|
SB 5223
|
Concerning net metering.
|
Law; effective July 28, 2019
|
|
HB 2009
|
Establishing a healthy environment for all by addressing environmental health disparities.
|
Did not pass
|
|
HB 2180
|
Relating to greenhouse gas emission reductions.
|
Did not pass
|