Why Washington
Need for more transmission
Electricity load in the State of Washington is expected to at least double over the next 20 years, with population growth, economic expansion, and electrification of homes and transportation all factoring into a rapid rise in demand. Significant new transmission projects are expected to be needed to maintain a reliable energy system and meet the state’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2045.
Siting opportunity
In 2025, the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) issued a report titled “Alternative Use of Highway Rights-of-Way,” in which the agency concluded that they cannot update their utility accommodation policy to generally allow transmission siting in highway rights-of-way without legislation to clarify that this is allowed. Passing such legislation could speed up the siting and permitting process, lessen environmental impacts, and save money for Washington ratepayers.
Challenges
Siting prohibition
WSDOT policies present strict limitations for siting transmission lines within highway rights-of-way. In practice, this means that siting in highway rights-of-way is generally not allowed, though there are case-by-case exceptions. The lack of clear guidance has left both transmission developers and WSDOT constrained. Without a culture of coordination supported by clear collaborative processes, transmission developers avoid siting transmission in highway rights-of-way.
Our work
The map at right highlights planned transmission projects throughout Washington, as well as corridors where transmission is restricted from being sited under current practices.
NextGen Highways is building a coalition of organizations representing energy, agricultural, economic, environmental, labor, wildlife, and other interests in Washington, with a common goal in utilizing existing infrastructure corridors for transmission siting.
