BILL REQ. #:  S-1616.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/11/09.   

     AN ACT Relating to assessing the state's geothermal resources; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The legislature finds that:
     (a) The Pacific Northwest has unique geologic features that include significant geothermal resources;
     (b) Other states and provinces in the region are actively exploring and developing geothermal resources to produce electric power and concentrated heating with varied applications;
     (c) Existing information and analysis concerning geothermal resources is insufficient; and
     (d) Advances in technology, higher energy prices, and concerns regarding use of high-carbon energy sources have raised public and private sector interest in developing the state's geothermal resources.
     (2) The legislature therefore intends to authorize the department of natural resources to conduct an initial assessment of the state's geothermal resources and to make recommendations regarding development of these resources, in an environmentally responsible manner, for electric generation and concentrated heating purposes.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The department of natural resources shall conduct an initial assessment of geothermal resources in the state.
     (2) The initial assessment must include:
     (a) A summary of existing information regarding the state's geothermal resources;
     (b) An estimate of the number of geothermal resources to be sampled, measured, and analyzed for geothermal temperature gradient;
     (c) A description of the regulatory framework for exploring and developing geothermal resources;
     (d) Analysis of the potential for developing geothermal resources for electric generation and concentrated heating based upon current and projected technologies;
     (e) Analysis, conducted in cooperation with the Washington State University extension energy program and the department of community, trade, and economic development, regarding the economic implications of developing geothermal resources, including community economic development, job creation, and state and local revenue benefits, with an assessment for each county in the state;
     (f) Recommendations regarding legislative and administrative actions deemed necessary to encourage development of geothermal resources in an environmentally responsible manner; and
     (g) Recommendations regarding a more comprehensive assessment of the state's geothermal resources that may:
     (i) Consider new measurements of equilibrium geothermal temperature gradients in existing thermal water wells, particularly in the Columbia river basin and the southern portion of the Cascade mountain range in the state;
     (ii) Develop predictive geologic models to guide exploration of geothermal resources;
     (iii) Conduct new sampling and analysis of hot and warm springs;
     (iv) Make recommendations regarding the regulatory framework for exploring and developing geothermal resources; and
     (v) Describe the logistics of developing geothermal resources.
     (3) The department of natural resources shall provide the initial assessment to the energy and fiscal committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 1, 2009.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The department of natural resources must secure federal funding, contributions from geothermal energy interests, or other nonstate sources to meet at least two-thirds of the costs necessary to implement section 2 of this act. If the department is unable to secure sufficient nonstate funding by August 1, 2009, the department shall not implement section 2 of this act.