Washington SB 5982 (2026) — Data Center Clean Energy Compliance Under CETA
Washington · WA SB 5982, Chapter 181, Laws of 2026 (2025-26 Leg. Sess.)
Washington bill that closes a loophole in the state's 100% clean energy law (Clean Energy Transformation Act) so that large customers — especially data centers — must meet the same carbon-neutrality and renewable-energy deadlines as electric utilities. Signed by Governor Ferguson on 2026-03-24 as Chapter 181, Laws of 2026; in effect since 2026-06-11.
Technical detail
SB 5982 (2025-26 Washington Legislature) amends RCW 19.405 (Clean Energy Transformation Act) to clarify that large electricity customers including hyperscale data centers are subject to the same clean-energy compliance deadlines as utilities; directs the Utilities and Transportation Commission to establish reporting requirements so compliance can be demonstrated. Enacted: delivered to Governor 2026-03-12, signed by Governor Ferguson 2026-03-24 (Chapter 181, Laws of 2026), effective 2026-06-11.
Who is protected: Washington state residents and environment, through clean-energy accountability for data-center electricity consumption
Who must comply: Large electricity customers (including AI data centers) operating in Washington state under CETA jurisdiction
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Washington |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Limited protection |
| Effective date | 2026-06-11 |
| Enacted | 2026-03-24 |
| Citation | WA SB 5982, Chapter 181, Laws of 2026 (2025-26 Leg. Sess.) |
| Enforced by | Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Per existing CETA enforcement provisions |
| Topics | data-center siting and energy · government use of AI |
| Last verified | 2026-06-25 |
| Official source | Washington State Legislature — SB 5982 Bill Summary & History (Chapter 181, Laws of 2026) ↗ |
More AI rules in Washington
- Washington HB 2225 (AI chatbot disclosure, minor protections, crisis protocols) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Washington HB 1170 (AI content watermarking & provenance metadata) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Washington SHB 1672 (employee monitoring notice, ADS restrictions, emotion AI ban) · In effect
- Washington HB 1999 (criminalizes AI/fabricated CSAM and nonconsensual fake intimate images) · In effect
- Washington SB 5395 (limits AI in health-insurance prior-auth denials) · In effect
- My Health My Data Act · In effect
Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere
- Superior WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Dane County WI Hyperscale Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- Madison WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Manitowoc County WI Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- Dayton OH data center moratorium (180-day, Apr 2026) · In effect
- Washington Township OH data center moratorium (360-day, Apr 2026) · In effect
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