Power generation facilities

New financial requirements for fossil fuel and non-hydroelectric generation facilities are up for discussion and possible action at the King County Council’s Local Services and Land Use Committee Tuesday.
Coming out of a study required under the 2020 Comprehensive Plan updates, the proposal would require private fossil fuel facilities and non-hydroelectric generation facilities to show proof of financial responsibility sufficient to cover costs for maximum damages resulting from a worst-case fuel release incident, such as a spill, explosion or other incident, and for decommissioning a facility and any potential impacts from that. This would likely take the form of bonds for these facilities, and the amount would be determined by the Executive based on studies provided when a company applied for such facility. The facilities would also have to undergo reviews every five years.
There are currently no such facilities in unincorporated King County, nor are there any known applications pending.
If approved by the committee, the proposal will go to full council for consideration.
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28
WHERE: Hybrid meeting of the Local Services and Land Use Committee, streaming on KCTV or in-person at the King County Courthouse, 10th floor, 516 Third Ave., Seattle