WA SB 5982 (Data Center / Clean Energy)
Washington SB 5982 (2026) — Data Center Clean Energy Compliance Under CETA
Washington · WA SB 5982, Chapter 181, Laws of 2026 (2025-26 Leg. Sess.)
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- June 11, 2026
- Applies to
- Large electricity customers (including AI data centers) operating in Washington state under CETA jurisdiction
- Enforced by
- Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC)
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.
Who is protected: Washington state residents and environment, through clean-energy accountability for data-center electricity consumption
Legal 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.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Washington |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Limited |
| Enacted | March 24, 2026 |
| Citation | WA SB 5982, Chapter 181, Laws of 2026 (2025-26 Leg. Sess.) |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Per existing CETA enforcement provisions |
| Topics | data-center siting and energy · government use of AI |
| Bill text | Washington State Legislature — SB 5982 Bill Summary & History (Chapter 181, Laws of 2026) |
More AI rules in Washington
- 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
- SB 5152 (Election Synthetic Media) · In effect
- SSB 5886 (WA Digital Likeness Rights) · 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
See something wrong or out of date? Submit a correction. Every entry must carry a verifiable source.