Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Environment & Energy Committee
SSB 5590
Brief Description: Eliminating the 2022 expiration date of the marine resources advisory council.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology (originally sponsored by Senators Wagoner, Das, Lovelett, Mullet and Rolfes).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Extends the expiration date of the marine resources advisory council until June 30, 2032.
Hearing Date: 2/24/22
Staff: Jacob Lipson (786-7196).
Background:

In 2013 the Legislature established the Marine Resources Advisory Council (MRAC) within the Office of the Governor with duties related to ocean acidification.  The MRAC is charged with:

  • maintaining a sustainable coordinated focus on state efforts to address the impacts of ocean acidification;
  • advising the University of Washington and others on technical analyses of ocean acidification; 
  • delivering recommendations to the Governor and committees of the Legislature; 
  • seeking public and private funding for technical analyses; and 
  • conducting ocean acidification public education activities.

 

The MRAC is chaired by a designee of the Governor.  The MRAC membership is specified to include 23 voting members, including representatives of the House of Representatives, Senate, state agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, fishing groups, marine tourism and conservation groups, and agricultural and business organizations.  The Governor is also directed to invite the participation of the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and academic institutions as nonvoting members of the MRAC.  The MRAC must meet at least twice per year and provide opportunities at its meetings for public comment.


The MRAC was originally created as a temporary council slated to expire on June 30, 2017.  In 2016, the expiration date of the MRAC was extended until June 30, 2022. 
Summary of Bill:

The expiration date of the Marine Resources Advisory Council is extended until June 30, 2032. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.