5159-S

AN ACT Relating to urban forestry; amending RCW 35.92.355, 43.19.668, 76.12.160, and 80.28.024; adding a new section to chapter 35.92 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35A.80 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 80.28 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.19 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 76.15 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that large-scale reduction of tree cover increases the temperature of urban areas, known as the "heat island effect." Planting trees in urban areas for shading and cooling mitigates the urban heat island effect and reduces energy consumption. Tree planting also can benefit the environment by combating global climate change, reducing soil erosion, and improving air quality. Urban forestry programs can improve urban aesthetics that will improve public and private property values.

The legislature also finds that urban forestry programs should consider the relationship between urban forests and public service facilities such as water, sewer, natural gas, telephone, and electric power lines. Urban forestry programs should promote the use of appropriate tree species that will not interfere with or cause damage to such public service facilities.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 35.92 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Municipal utilities under this chapter are encouraged to provide information to their customers regarding landscaping that includes tree planting for energy conservation.

(2) Municipal utilities under this chapter are encouraged to 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 request for a voluntary donation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 35A.80 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Code cities providing utility services under this chapter are encouraged to provide information to their customers regarding landscaping that includes tree planting for energy conservation.

(2) Code cities providing utility services under this chapter are encouraged to 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.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 80.28 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Gas companies and electrical companies under this chapter may provide information to their customers regarding landscaping that includes tree planting for energy conservation.

(2) Gas companies and electrical companies under this chapter 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.

Sec. 5. RCW 35.92.355 and 1979 ex.s. c 239 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The conservation of energy in all forms and by every possible means is found and declared to be a public purpose of highest priority. The legislature further finds and declares that all municipal corporations, quasi municipal corporations, and other political subdivisions of the state which are engaged in the generation, sale, or distribution of energy should be granted the authority to develop and carry out programs which will conserve resources, reduce waste, and encourage more efficient use of energy by consumers.

In order to establish the most effective state-wide program for energy conservation, the legislature hereby encourages any company, corporation, or association engaged in selling or furnishing utility services to assist their customers in the acquisition and installation of materials and equipment, for compensation or otherwise, for the conservation or more efficient use of energy. The use of appropriate tree plantings for energy conservation is encouraged as part of these programs.

Sec. 6. RCW 43.19.668 and 1980 c 172 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature finds and declares that the buildings, facilities, equipment, and vehicles owned or leased by state government consume significant amounts of energy and that energy conservation actions to provide for efficient energy use in these buildings, facilities, equipment, and vehicles will reduce the costs of state government. In order for the operations of state government to provide the citizens of this state an example of energy use efficiency, the legislature further finds and declares that state government should undertake an aggressive program designed to reduce energy use in state buildings, facilities, equipment, and vehicles within a reasonable period of time. The use of appropriate tree plantings for energy conservation is encouraged as part of this program.

Sec. 7. RCW 76.12.160 and 1988 c 128 s 35 are each amended to read as follows:

The department is authorized to sell to or exchange with persons intending to restock forest areas, tree seedling stock and tree seed produced at the state nursery.

The department may provide at cost, stock or seed to local governments or nonprofit organizations for urban tree planting programs consistent with the community and urban forestry program.

Sec. 8. RCW 80.28.024 and 1980 c 149 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature finds and declares that the potential for meeting future energy needs through conservation measures, including energy conservation loans, energy audits, the use of appropriate tree plantings for energy conservation, and the use of renewable resources, such as solar energy, wind energy, wood, wood waste, municipal waste, agricultural products and wastes, hydroelectric energy, geothermal energy, and end-use waste heat, may not be realized without incentives to public and private energy utilities. The legislature therefore finds and declares that actions and incentives by state government to promote conservation and the use of renewable resources would be of great benefit to the citizens of this state by encouraging efficient energy use and a reliable supply of energy based upon renewable energy resources.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. A new section is added to chapter 43.19 RCW to read as follows:

The director of the department of general administration shall seek to further energy conservation objectives among other landscape objectives in planting and maintaining trees upon grounds administered by the department.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. A new section is added to chapter 76.15 RCW to read as follows:

The department may enter into agreements with one or more nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is urban tree planting. The agreements shall be to further public education about and support for urban tree planting, and for obtaining voluntary activities by the local community organizations in tree planting programs. The agreements shall ensure that such programs are consistent with the purposes of the community and urban forestry program under this chapter.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. A new section is added to chapter 76.15 RCW to read as follows:

The department shall encourage urban planting of tree varieties that are site-appropriate and provide the best combination of energy and water conservation, fire safety and other safety, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic value. The department may provide technical assistance in developing programs in tree planting for energy conservation in areas of the state where such programs are most cost-effective.