S-0844.1
SENATE BILL 5546
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Senators Orwall, Hasegawa, and Ramos
Read first time 01/28/25. Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.
AN ACT Relating to requiring the installation of solar energy systems on new school buildings; adding new sections to chapter 28A.525 RCW; creating a new section; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that expanding the use of solar energy is an effective means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the state's reliance on the fossil fuels responsible for our rapidly changing climate. The legislature further finds that the use of solar energy to power buildings is generally a cost-effective means of reducing energy bills with a return on investment that may equal or exceed the initial cost. The legislature also notes that the state's building code requires solar readiness for many buildings and that the state's energy performance standard, commonly known as the clean buildings act, is transitioning the state toward ever more energy efficient buildings. Considering these benefits and existing state requirements, the legislature intends to create a requirement, subject to sufficient legislative appropriations, that public schools install solar energy systems on new buildings that exceed 50,000 square feet.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28A.525 RCW to read as follows: