FINAL BILL REPORT
SJM 8001
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. |
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Requesting the United States fish and wildlife service to work cooperatively with the state's regulatory agencies and energy producers with respect to the federal endangered species act.
Sponsors: Senators Hatfield and Haugen.
Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation
House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
Background: Renewable Energy Requirements. In 2006 the voters of Washington passed Initiative 937 (Initiative). The Initiative sets targets for energy conservation and the use of eligible renewable resources by the state's utilities that serve more than 25,000 customers. The Initiative defines "eligible renewable resource" to include resources such as wind, solar energy, and certain biomass energy. The term "eligible renewable resource" also includes incremental electricity produced from efficiency improvements completed after March 31, 1999, to hydroelectric dams.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction. In 2007 the Legislature adopted the following goals for green house gas (GHG) emissions reduction:
by 2020, reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels;
by 2035, reduce GHG emissions to 25 percent below 1990 levels; and
by 2050, reduce GHG emissions to 50 percent below 1990 levels, or 70 percent below the state's expected GHG emissions that year.
Federal Endangered Species Act. Congress passed the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973, which provides protection for threatened and endangered species. An endangered species is a species in danger of extinction throughout all or part of its historic range. A threatened species is a species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. The ESA generally prohibits take of protected species, which includes harassing, harming, or killing such species. The United State Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has primary responsibility for ESA administration with regards to threatened and endangered wildlife.
Summary: The Senate Joint Memorial requests that:
the USFWS work cooperatively with state regulatory agencies and energy producers to resolve issues raised by the ESA; and
USFWS, state agencies, and energy producers resolve such issues in a manner that allows the continued development of Washington's wind and other alternative energy resources while at the same time protecting threatened and endangered wildlife.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 48 | 0 | |
House | 97 | 0 |