Brief Description: Encouraging renewable energy and energy efficiency businesses in Washington.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Morton, Esser, Eide, Winsley, Kohl-Welles, Keiser and Kline).

Hearing Date: 2/24/04

Staff: Pam Madson (786-7166).

Background:

According to a recent report issued by the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED), the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors in Washington currently generate close to one billion dollars in annual revenues and employ over 3,800 people. The report also explores how these sectors are likely to react to current market conditions and public policies, and concludes that the long-term prospects show strong potential for future growth.

The Washington Technology Center (WTC) is a collaborative effort between the state's universities, private industry, and government housed at the University of Washington. The statutory mission of the WTC includes performing and commercializing research on a statewide basis that benefits the intermediate and long-term economic vitality of the state. The WTC recently created a Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative of business, government, nonprofit, industry, and educational institutions to accelerate the emergence and growth of the energy technology industry in the Pacific Northwest region.

Summary of Bill:

Legislative findings outline the many benefits the State derives from its renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors and the Legislature declares its intent to establish the State as a leader in clean energy research, development, manufacturing, and marketing.

The Washington Technology Center (WTC) is directed to use its existing Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative project to provide a forum for public and private collaborative initiatives to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

The WTC's responsibilities include using the collaborative project to develop and implement a strategic plan for public and private sector collaboration in renewable energy and energy efficiency business development. A process for developing the strategic plan, addressing necessary elements, and reporting back to the Governor and the Legislature are specified. The strategic plan may be incorporated into the five year strategic plan required for the WTC.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency are specifically included within the scope of technology as it relates to the responsibilities and functions of the WTC.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available on original Senate bill.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.