RCW 80.50.100 requires the council to report to the governor its recommendation of approval or rejection of an application for certification. In order for the council to develop such a recommendation, it shall use wherever applicable the following deliberative process:

1. (1) Evaluate an application to determine compliance with chapter 80.50 RCW and chapter 463-60 WAC;
2. (2) Contract for an independent consultant study to measure the consequences of the proposed energy facility on the environment or any matter that it deems essential to an adequate approval of the site;
3. (3) Conduct a review under chapter 43.21C RCW, State Environmental Policy Act;
4. (4) Conduct an adjudicative proceeding for the presentation of evidence on the application;
5. (5) Conduct one or more sessions for the taking of public testimony concerning the proposed project;
6. (6) Consider public comments received;

7. (7) Consider any laws or ordinances, rules or regulations, which may be preempted by certification.

   The council, when fully satisfied that all issues have been adequately reviewed, will consider and by majority decision will make a council recommendation as to the disposition of the application.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.50.040(1). WSR 25-12-020, s 463-14-080, filed 5/22/25, effective 6/22/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.50.040 (1) and (12). WSR 04-21-013, § 463-14-080, filed 10/11/04, effective 11/11/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.50.040. WSR 91-03-090, § 463-14-080, filed 1/18/91, effective 2/18/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.50.040(1). WSR 81-20-028 (Order 81-4), § 463-14-080, filed 9/30/81.]