Lawmakers in Olympia once again demonstrated a troubling anti-business bias by blocking a tax incentive, House Bill 1210 (HB 1210), that could have brought a $3.5 billion nuclear manufacturing investment-and hundreds of family-wage jobs-to Richland, WA.

The Tri-City Herald is reporting that Jamie Pederson (D) led the charge to kill HB 1210 aimed at attracting a major nuclear component manufacturer to Washington. The company, a supplier for the next generation of small modular reactors, was considering Richland for a $3.5 billion facility. The project would have created hundreds of high-paying jobs and positioned Washington as a leader in advanced nuclear technology-a sector critical to clean energy and national security.

Lawmakers, citing concerns about “corporate giveaways” and “tax fairness” stopped the bill before it passed the Senate. This is despite the bill passing the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. This rhetoric is nothing new. For years, Washington’s progressive leadership has pushed the narrative that any incentive for business is a handout to the wealthy, ignoring the reality that these incentives are often the only way to compete with other states aggressively courting the same investments.

Data published by the Washington Policy Center (WPC) and even left-leaning think tanks show that our state is among the least friendly for business, thanks to high taxes, excessive regulation, and unpredictable fiscal policy. When lawmakers block projects like the Richland facility, they’re not just denying a tax break, they are denying hundreds of families the chance at a better life.

The anti-business bias is especially frustrating given Washington’s legacy as a hub for innovation. From Boeing to Microsoft to Amazon, our state’s prosperity has always depended on a vibrant private sector.

This isn’t just about one nuclear manufacturing facility. It’s about a broader hostility to business that is driving employers and families out of the state. Census data shows Washington lost over 33,000 residents (net) to other states between 2020 and 2024, with affordability and lack of opportunity cited as top reasons. When jobs go elsewhere, so do our best and brightest.

If lawmakers truly care about creating opportunities for all Washingtonians, they need to rethink their approach. That means:

• Recognizing that targeted tax incentives are essential tools for attracting high-value employers in a competitive national landscape.
• Streamlining regulations and reducing the overall tax burden to make Washington a more attractive place to do business. For HB 1210, specifically, remove the problematic Project Labor Agreement language which could increase the cost of the projects.
• Focusing on policies that grow the private sector, rather than treating employers as adversaries.

Washington is a fantastic place to live. If we want a prosperous future, we need leaders who welcome job creators-not drive them away.

House Bill 1210 should be re-considered in the next legislative session.