(1) Public utility districts may request voluntary donations from their customers for the purposes of urban forestry. The request may be in the form of a check-off on the billing statement or other form of a request for a voluntary donation.

(2) Voluntary donations collected by public utility districts under this section may be used by the public utility district to:

(a) Support the development and implementation of urban forestry ordinances, as that term is defined in RCW 76.15.010, for cities, towns, or counties within their service areas;

(b) Complete projects consistent with the urban forestry management plans and ordinances developed under RCW 76.15.090; or

(c) Fund a tree planting program for energy conservation that accomplishes the goals established under RCW 54.16.281.

(3) Donations received under this section do not contribute to the gross income of a light and power business or gas distribution business under chapter 82.16 RCW.

Findings—Intent—2021 c 209: See note following RCW 76.15.005.

Findings—Intent—2021 c 11: See note following RCW 35.92.355.

Short title—2008 c 299: See note following RCW 76.15.020.