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WashingtonHB 23672025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Eliminating preferential treatment related to a coal-fired electric generating plant.

Sponsored By: Joe Fitzgibbon (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Coal plants lose sales tax break

The law ends the sales and use tax exemptions for coal used at coal‑fired power plants. Coal buyers and plants now pay these taxes, which raises their costs.

Climate review and mitigation in permits

When a project needs a life‑cycle greenhouse gas study, agencies must total its net emissions and compare them to the best available tech. A permit cannot be denied just because a covered facility has covered emissions. A new or expanded covered or opt‑in facility can meet its mitigation by submitting compliance instruments equal to its covered emissions for that period. The department may set thresholds for when this analysis is required.

Who must comply under greenhouse gas program

The law updates who counts as a covered entity. You are covered when yearly emissions are at least 25,000 metric tons of CO2e. Earlier reporting can trigger coverage: 2015–2019 for most facilities, 2023–2025 for waste‑to‑energy, and 2027–2028 for railroads. Electricity importers follow special rules, and the department sets a method for centralized markets by October 1, 2026. Once covered, you generally stay covered for that period. To avoid double charges, only one party is responsible for the same emissions. Refineries, fuel sellers, gas users, and gas utilities may agree who takes that duty, with 12 months’ notice.

Limits on new greenhouse gas rules for coal

State and local agencies cannot add greenhouse gas performance standards or similar rules that conflict with existing law for certain coal plants. This applies to plants that were operating by July 22, 2011, and to long‑term coal transition power purchases. For plants under the state memorandum of agreement that keep operating, this protection ends after December 31, 2025.

Which fuels and sites are exempt

Some fuel uses and sites are outside the program. Aviation fuel is excluded. Fuel for watercraft is excluded if it is sold in Washington but burned outside the state. Emissions at coal plants before January 1, 2026 that qualify under existing law are excluded. Carbon from burning biomass or biofuels is excluded. Farm‑only fuel can be exempt, and the department must extend the exemption to fuel used to move farm products on public highways through December 31, 2029. From January 1, 2030, the farm exemption applies only to fuel that propels motor vehicles. National security facilities and municipal landfills that follow chapter 70A.540 RCW are also excluded.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joe Fitzgibbon

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Beth Doglio

    Democratic • House

  • Davina Duerr

    Democratic • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Sharlett Mena

    Democratic • House

  • Shelley Kloba

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 92 • No: 52

Senate vote • 2/28/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 29 • No: 19 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 63 • No: 33 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 3/11/2026.

    3/11/2026House

  2. Chapter 37, 2026 Laws.

    3/11/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/5/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/4/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/4/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 29; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/28/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/28/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/24/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/23/2026House

  11. Minority; do not pass.

    2/20/2026House

  12. ENET - Majority; do pass.

    2/20/2026House

  13. First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.

    2/16/2026House

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 63; nays, 33; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    2/12/2026House

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/12/2026House

  16. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/11/2026House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/9/2026House

  18. FIN - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/6/2026House

  19. Minority; do not pass.

    2/6/2026House

  20. FIN - Majority; do pass.

    2/6/2026House

  21. Referred to Finance.

    1/27/2026House

  22. ENVI - Majority; do pass.

    1/22/2026House

  23. Minority; do not pass.

    1/22/2026House

  24. ENVI - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/22/2026House

  25. First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.

    1/12/2026House

Bill Text

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