Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Technology & Economic Development Committee |
HB 2826
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. |
Brief Description: Repealing certain duties of the state energy office with regard to preparing the state energy strategy document.
Sponsors: Representatives DeBolt, Morris and Smith.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/26/16
Staff: Nikkole Hughes (786-7156).
Background:
Washington State Energy Office.
The State Energy Office, located in the Department of Commerce, was established by the Legislature in 1996 to provide energy policy support, analysis, and information to the Legislature, the Governor, and other state agencies. The powers and duties of the State Energy Office include:
preparing and updating contingency plans for implementation in the event of energy shortages or emergencies;
coordinating federal energy programs; and
serving as the state agency responsible for developing and coordinating implementation of the state energy strategy.
The State Energy Strategy.
The state energy strategy was first developed in 1991, and must balance the following three goals:
maintain competitive energy prices that are fair and reasonable for consumers and businesses and support the state's continued economic success;
increase competitiveness by fostering a clean energy economy and jobs through business and workforce development; and
meet the state's obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The state energy strategy must be periodically reviewed by the State Energy Office and an advisory committee. Upon completion of a public hearing regarding the advisory committee's advice and recommendations for revisions to the state energy strategy, a written report must be conveyed by the State Energy Office to the Governor and the appropriate Legislative committees. The advisory committee must dissolve within three months after their written report is conveyed.
By December 1 of each even-numbered year, the State Energy Office must also prepare and transmit to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature a report on the implementation of the state energy strategy and other important energy issues.
Summary of Bill:
All references to and requirements for preparing the state energy strategy are removed from among the duties of the Department of Commerce State Energy Office. The sections relating to the principles, implementation, review, and reporting of the state energy strategy are repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2016.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.