SENATE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Passed Senate, March 10, 2009
Title: An act relating to creating a clean energy leadership initiative.
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 History:
Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 2/16/09, 2/18/09 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/10/09, 46-1.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5921 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide, Kilmer and McCaslin.
Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)
Background: Over the past several years, Washington has begun development of a climate change mitigation strategy. However, clean energy advocates believe Washington has fallen behind other states in developing clean energy policies, incentives and programs, and making strategic investments that support the development of clean technologies and clean energy companies.
Summary of Substitute Bill: The Clean Energy Leadership Initiative is created as a collaborative effort between the Governor's Office and a state-wide public-private clean energy alliance. The Clean Energy Leadership Council, made up of up to 15 members, is created to guide the initiative. The council is to conduct a strategic analysis to identify clean energy industry segments where Washington can be a leading state.
The council is also to develop strategic recommendations and implementation steps to move forward in the development of clean energy efforts. Initial recommendations are to be made to the Governor and the Legislature on procurement and leveraging of federal stimulus funding. The final analysis and recommendations are to be made by December 1, 2009.
After release of the final analysis and recommendations, the council is to convene a clean energy summit with the Governor and legislative leaders.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 13, 2009.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Other states have streamline permitting and coordination that makes them more competitive. Our existing energy infrastructure is impressive but our state will be better off in pursuing clean energy alternatives if we have a plan. The Council's tasks are on target. Only 4 percent of our green jobs are in clean and renewable energy. Energy markets are tough to navigate. We need to get our policies, technologies, and capital all moving in the right direction. The focus will be on companies that can deliver at-scale energy.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rockefeller, prime sponsor; Marc Cummings, Battelle, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Washington Clean Technology Alliance.