SB5616 – Allows using the energy efficiency account permanently for loans, loan guarantees, and grants that reduce greenhouse gas emissions for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries.
Prime Sponsor – Senator Rolfes (D; 23rd District; Kitsap County) (By request of the Office of Financial Management)
Current status – Had a hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations February 22nd. Passed out of committee February 24th, and referred to Rules. Passed by the House March 3rd.
Next step would be – To the Governor.
Legislative tracking page for the bill.

In the Senate – Passed
Had a hearing in Ways & Means January 17th. Replaced by a substitute and passed out of committee January 31st. Referred to Transportation and had a hearing there February 3rd. Replaced by a second substitute making a couple of housekeeping changes and passed out of committee February 7th. Referred to Rules, and passed by the Senate unanimously February 11th.

Summary –

Substitute –
The substitute would make the change allowing the energy efficiency account to be used for projects reducing EITE emissions permanent.

Original bill –
During the next biennium, the bill would allow money in the energy efficiency account to be appropriated and spent on loans, loan guarantees, and grants for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries. (It would also create a clean energy transition workforce account to support workers affected by the state’s transition away from fossil fuels to a clean energy economy, and a forest resiliency account dedicated to spending on forest health, carbon sequestration, and any other activities that help protect Washington forests.)