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Committee debates wildfire, landowner and eminent‑domain language in transmission authority bill (SB 5,466)
Summary
Senators debated amendments to the bill creating a state transmission authority (WIDA) focused on wildfire mitigation, consultation with private forest and agricultural landowners, and limiting eminent domain; several amendments failed and the bill's second proposed substitute was advanced.
Senate Bill 5,466, described in committee as creating the Washington Electric Transmission Authority (referred to in the transcript as WIDA or 'Bridal'), drew focused debate on multiple floor amendments (M1–M5). The bill would authorize a statewide body to coordinate transmission planning, seek the maximum use of existing rights‑of‑way, and provide conduit financing in partnership with other state entities.
Amendment M1 (Senator Short) would add wildfire as an extreme weather event in the bill's intent language and add a non‑voting advisory board member; Senator Short said that wildfire mitigation and protecting landowners are…
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