Increasing transmission capacity.
HB 1819 aims to increase electric transmission capacity in Washington State. It exempts certain utility actions, such as upgrading existing powerlines and deploying grid-enhancing technologies within existing rights-of-way, from some environmental review requirements. Before these projects commence, utilities must notify the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and tribal nations to protect archaeological and cultural resources. The bill also updates requirements for electric utilities' integrated resource plans, mandating that they assess opportunities to optimize existing transmission capacity through improved operating practices and grid modernization.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026
Last action Feb 19, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
Substitute Bill
→
Engrossed Substitute Bill
·
5 edits
·
Mar 12, 2025
MODERATE
The bill was renamed to reflect its final version and removed an exemption for underwater powerlines, meaning those projects now require environmental review. The definition of 'previously disturbed or developed' land was expanded to include utility corridors, and the utility's planning duties were updated to include documenting efforts to use existing transmission capacity more effectively. Additionally, a new section in the utility commission chapter was deleted entirely, removing specific incentives for grid-enhancing technologies and reconductoring projects.
Scope change
The bill's scope was narrowed by removing the categorical exemption for underwater powerlines, bringing them under the same environmental review requirements as other projects. The scope of exempt projects was also clarified by expanding the definition of 'previously disturbed or developed' land to explicitly include utility corridors.
ELIGIBILITY
Removed the categorical exemption for underwater powerlines, requiring them to undergo environmental review.
Added specific conditions under which the categorical exemption for utility upgrades does not apply, such as when actions are part of a series that could have significant adverse environmental impacts.
DEFINITION
Expanded the definition of 'previously disturbed or developed' land to explicitly include utility corridors and rights-of-way.
REQUIREMENT
Updated utility planning requirements to mandate documentation of efforts to make more effective use of existing transmission capacity.
FISCAL
Deleted a new section that would have provided an incentive rate of return on investment for grid-enhancing technologies and reconductoring projects.
Floor votes · House Mar 12, 2025
How they voted
99–0
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 100
Mar 12, 2025
D
Democratic61
98% Yea
R
Republican39
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
17
Key actions
4
Committee
4
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology at 8:00 AM.
upper
Mar 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
lower
Feb 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
lower
Feb 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Environment & Energy at 4:00 PM.
lower
Feb 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Environment & Energy at 4:00 PM.
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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