HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5383
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Technology, Energy & Communications
Title: An act relating to the energy freedom program.
Brief Description: Modifying provisions of the energy freedom program.
Sponsors: Senators Hargrove, Poulsen, Hatfield, Rockefeller, Rasmussen and Kohl-Welles.
Brief History:
Technology, Energy & Communications: 3/21/07, 3/28/07 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by House Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Morris, Chair; McCoy, Vice Chair; Crouse, Ranking Minority Member; McCune, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Eddy, Ericksen, Hankins, Hudgins, Hurst, Takko and VanDeWege.
Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).
Background:
Energy Freedom Program
In 2006, the Legislature created the Energy Freedom Program within the Department of
Agriculture. The Energy Freedom Program provides financial and technical assistance to
public entities for: (1) the construction of facilities to convert farm products or wastes into
electricity, gaseous or liquid fuels, or other co-products; and (2) the construction of facilities
used to store or distribute such feedstocks or products. The amount of assistance allowed
under the Energy Freedom Program is limited to no more than 50 percent of the total cost of
the project, up to $5 million.
Eight projects were awarded assistance under the Energy Freedom Program. Six of the
projects support oilseed processing for biodiesel; two of the projects support anaerobic
digestion.
Summary of Amended Bill:
Non-profit or not-for-profit corporations may apply for assistance from the Energy Freedom
Program. Assistance may be awarded for wind power projects of up to five megawatts.
The Energy Freedom Program is moved from the Department of Agriculture to the
Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The amended bill strikes the provisions of the underlying bill. Non-profit and not-for-profit
corporations may apply for funding from the Energy Freedom Program. The scope of the
Energy Freedom Program is expanded to include wind projects of up to five megawatts. The
Energy Freedom Program is moved from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of
Community, Trade and Economic Development.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) A coastal energy project operated by a community action agency is unique
because the profits are redirected back into low-income assistance. This project could
generate approximately $600,000 of revenue a year for low-income programs over the next
25 years. This project would provide a sustainable energy resource to address the unmet
needs in our community. By helping community action agencies generate income from a
wind project, the Legislature can promote renewable energy and assist low-income families.
It is a win-wind solution.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Hargrove, prime sponsor; and Craig Dublanko, Coastal Community Action Program.