Encouraging electric utility investments in advanced nuclear reactor projects for clean energy transformation act compliance.

HB 1679 allows Washington electric utilities to count investments in advanced nuclear reactor projects toward meeting their 2045 clean energy compliance requirements, specifically as one of up to 20% of their obligation under the Clean Energy Transformation Act. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include advanced nuclear projects as a valid "alternative compliance option," requiring such investments to be real, permanent, and quantifiable in emissions reductions. It directly affects utilities required to achieve 100% nonemitting electricity by 2045, providing a new pathway alongside renewables and efficiency measures. The policy change clarifies that nuclear investments must meet department criteria for verification, without conflicting with existing clean energy standards.