SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5560
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 March 5, 2009
Title: An act relating to state agency climate leadership.
Brief Description: Regarding state agency climate leadership.
Sponsors: Senators Ranker, Swecker, Brown, Hargrove, Pridemore, Marr, Kilmer, Rockefeller, Kauffman, Haugen, Eide, Hobbs, Kohl-Welles, Jarrett, Fraser, Jacobsen and Murray.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Environment, Water & Energy: 2/11/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY |
Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)
Background: During the 2007 Legislative Session, the Legislature set forth statewide greenhouse gas emissions reductions (GHG) goals. With enactment of E2SHB 2815, providing a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Washington economy, the 2008 Legislature required the state to limit emissions of GHG to achieve the statewide emission reductions goals. The requirements are to reduce overall GHG emissions in the state:
by 2020 to 1990 levels;
by 2035 to 25 percent below 1990 levels; and
by 2050 to 50 percent below 1990 levels, or 70 percent below the state's expected GHG emissions that year.
An Executive Order issued January 2005 directed agencies, using fiscal year 2003 as the base year, to incorporate green building practices in all new construction projects and major remodels; achieve a 20 percent reduction in petroleum use by 2009; reduce the lifecycle impacts of paper products; and reduce energy purchases by 10 percent. Agencies were also required to annually report their total energy use to the Department of General Administration (GA).
Summary of Bill: All state agencies must exceed the statewide GHG emission limits and reduce emissions as follows:
by July 1, 2017, to 1990 levels;
by 2025, to 25 percent below 1990 levels;
by 2035, to the greater of 50 percent below 1990 levels or 70 percent below the expected state government emissions that year.
In addition, all state agencies must reduce energy consumption at the same schedule for GHG emissions by:
20 percent below 2011 levels;
35 percent below 2011 levels; and
the greater reduction of 50 percent below 2011 levels or 70 percent of the expected state government emissions that year.
The Department of Ecology (Ecology), in consultation with the Departments of Community, Trade and Economic Development and GA must develop emission and energy consumption estimates for each state agency. These estimates must include the emissions and energy consumption in 1990, current levels, and projected emissions and energy consumption from doing business as usual. The departments may use data such as building space occupied, electricity usage, motor vehicle fuel purchased, and miles driven to develop the estimates.
By June 30, 2011, Ecology must establish a strategy to meet emission limits and energy consumption reductions. The strategy must allocate reductions among all state agencies and provide timelines in which to meet emission and energy consumption limits. The strategy may include elements to reward agencies exceeding their emission targets; allow trading emission reductions from one agency to another; and allow an agency to purchase carbon offsets to meet its emission reduction target. Each state agency must report to Ecology on its actions taken to reduce emissions and energy consumption. GA may report for agencies with fewer than 500 employees. In addition, Ecology must develop an emissions calculator to estimate aggregate emissions and determine emissions from a variety of ways of conducting an activity.
Each state agency must implement practical and affordable measures to increase energy efficiency. Agencies must identify measures to increase energy efficiency during routine maintenance and agency activities that have a near term payback on investment.
For motor pools and agency vehicle fleets under their control, GA and the Office of Financial Management must phase in an average fuel economy standard of 36 miles per gallon by June 1, 2015.
The GA must complete an energy consumption survey for state-owned facilities completed by October 1, 2009, and a walk-through survey by July 1, 2010. If the walk-through survey identifies potentially cost-effective energy conservation measures, the state agency responsible for the facility must conduct an investment grade audit by December 1, 2010. Agencies must install cost-effective energy conservation measures recommended in the investment grade audit by June 30, 2012. GA must report to the Governor and the Legislature on progress of installation and plans. Agencies implementing energy conservation measures identified above may retain the savings, budgetary restraints provided.
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 bill will allow the state to save money and energy. The state should serve as a leader in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
OTHER: The state can achieve goals and benchmarks through realistic energy efficiency. The state should continue with its current schedule of energy efficiency upgrades and state agencies should be the model for a carbon footprint.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Carrie Dolwick, NW Energy Coalition, Bill Robinson, The Nature Conservancy, Clifford Traisman, WA Conservation Voters & WA Environmental Council, Heath Packard, DNR.
OTHER: Kathleen Drew, Governor's Policy Office.