SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2420
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 of February 18, 2010
Title: An act relating to the promotion of the industries that rely on the state's working land base.
Brief Description: Promoting industries that rely on the state's working land base.
Sponsors: House Committee on Community & Economic Development & Trade (originally sponsored by Representatives Kenney, Orcutt, Van De Wege, Conway, Kessler, Blake, Hope, Herrera, Liias, Sullivan, Campbell, Schmick, Quall, Dammeier, Chase, Takko, Morrell and Smith).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/10, 92-0.
Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 2/17/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION |
Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)
Background: In 2008 the Legislature established the green Economy Jobs Growth Initiative with a goal of increasing the number of clean energy jobs in the state to 25,000 by 2020. Specific actions related to the green economy were to be carried out by a number of state agencies.
In 2009 the Legislature established the Evergreen Jobs Initiative with a goal of creating 15,000 new green economy jobs by 2020 and other goals related to employment, job training, investment, and exports. Specific actions were to be carried out by a number of state agencies.
The Employment Security Department’s (ESD) 2009 report, Washington State Green Economy Jobs, showed an estimated 47,000 in total direct, private sector green economy employment. Green jobs were reported in 27 industry classifications, including four related to the forest products industry: agriculture and forestry support activities, forestry and logging, wood products manufacturing, and paper manufacturing. The forest products industry as a whole has not been classified as a green industry.
Summary of Bill: ESD is to conduct an analysis of forest product industry occupations and employment projections. ESD is also to define the education and skill standards required for current and emerging green occupations in the industry.
For pilot green industry skills panels created by the Workforce Training Board (WTB), the term clean energy, as it applies to industry sectors, includes energy from wood biomass, liquid biofuels, or bio-based products.
The Department of Commerce and the WTB are to identify barriers to the growth of green jobs in traditional industries.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This helps the department define what jobs are green. This is supported by the environmental community.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Sean O'Sullivan, Western Pulp and Paper Workers.