Imposing a local option tax on the sale or transfer of renewable energy facilities.

 H-1310.1

HOUSE BILL 1981

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Representatives Dye and Klicker

Read first time 02/14/25. Referred to Committee on Finance.

AN ACT Relating to imposing a local option tax on the sale or transfer of renewable energy facilities; adding a new section to chapter 82.46 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that wind and solar energy production companies often generate substantial revenue from operations in rural communities without reinvesting those funds locally. These companies frequently transfer earnings out-of-state, leaving limited opportunities for economic development within the regions where they operate.

The legislature finds that the lack of retained revenue from renewable energy projects exacerbates economic challenges in rural areas, including underfunded infrastructure, limited access to education and health care resources, and diminished prospects for local business growth. As a result, the economic benefits of hosting renewable energy facilities are not equitably shared with the communities that support their operations.