SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5167

As of February 7, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the state energy strategy.

Brief Description:  Enhancing the state energy strategy.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser, Morton, Patterson, Hale, Regala, Prentice, T. Sheldon, Eide, Thibaudeau, Franklin, Spanel and Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environment, Energy & Water:  2/8/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & WATER

Staff:  Richard Rodger (786‑7461)

Background:  The state energy strategy was developed in 1993 to assist the state in meeting its goals of fostering the wise and efficient use of energy and to promote energy self-sufficiency.  The strategy has not been updated since it was originally developed.

It has been suggested that due to the recent energy shortages, fluctuations in the price of natural gas, oil, and electricity, changing energy technologies, and the increased need for conservation and development of renewable sources of energy, the state energy strategy should be reviewed and revised.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development must review and revise the state energy strategy every five years.  The review and revision must be accomplished within two years.  The department must ensure the review is objective and impartial, that it uses existing public and private expertise, recognizes the planning horizons for each segment of the energy industry, and is coordinated with other ongoing planning efforts.

An advisory committee is formed to assist the department in updating the energy strategy.  The committee includes 24 members.  Seventeen of the members are citizens representing various industries and interest groups appointed by the director.  The remaining members include four members of the Legislature, the chair of the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council, and a representative of both the Utilities and Transportation Commission and the Northwest Power Planning Council.

The advisory committee's review and revision of the energy strategy includes consideration of state energy goals and all forms of energy, each major sector of energy consumption, and energy conservation.  Additional items of consideration for the committee are specified.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill takes effect on July 1, 2001.