Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Technology, Energy & Communications Committee |
SSB 5921
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. |
Brief Description: Creating a clean energy leadership initiative.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Economic Development, Trade & Innovation (originally sponsored by Senators Rockefeller, Pridemore, Ranker, Kline and Kohl-Welles).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 3/18/09
Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133)
Background:
Through a combination of financial incentives, regulatory policies, executive orders, and local policies, state and local governments have pursued the use of renewable energy and clean energy technologies. Some examples include: (1) setting a target for state and local fleets to use 100 percent biofuel or electricity; (2) enacting net metering laws and regulations to facilitate on-site renewable energy generation; (3) declaring state requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; (4) creating tax incentives to promote the development of renewable energy; and (5) enacting efficiency standards for new appliances.
The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development Energy Policy Division is charged with supervising and administrating energy-related activities in the state, as well as advising the Governor and the Legislature with respect to energy matters affecting the state. Responsibility for implementing energy education, applied research, and technology transfer programs rests with Washington State University's Energy Extension Program.
Summary of Bill:
The Governor must create a clean energy leadership initiative in collaboration with a statewide public-private alliance. The stated goal of the initiative is to grow the clean energy sector in Washington.
A 15-member Clean Energy Council (Council) is created to carry out the clean energy initiative.
The Council must conduct a strategic analysis to identify clean energy industry segments in which Washington has a competitive advantage or strength and develop a set of recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 2009. Within a month of submitting the strategic analysis and recommendations, the Council must convene a clean energy summit with the Governor and legislative leaders.
The Council must also:
identify an institutional mechanism to implement its recommendations; and
review investments made by Washington State University's Energy program, the state energy office, utilities, and other entities to identify ways to use those funds to increase the state's competitiveness in clean energy technology.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.