FINAL BILL REPORT

2SSB 5174

                              C 159 L 89

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Benitz, Williams and Madsen; by request of Washington State Energy Office)

Furthering the state hydropower plan.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities and Committee on Ways & Means

House Committe on Capital Facilities & Financing

Rereferred House Committee on Energy & Utilities

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Federal legislation enacted in 1986 offers states increased opportunities to affect hydropower licensing decisions by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  FERC must consider whether a proposed project is consistent with a comprehensive river plan.

Washington does not have any comprehensive plans but has a number of management plans for waterways in place or under development.  FERC reviews proposed projects for consistency with the "Protected Areas" comprehensive plan developed by the Northwest Power Planning Council.

SUMMARY:

Guidelines are established for future development of hydropower.  A comprehensive state hydropower plan is to be prepared by representatives from utilities, state agencies, environmental and sportsmen's groups, and Indian tribes with the assistance of an independent facilitator.  The plan will designate areas where hydropower development is likely to conflict with significant environmental values, and less sensitive areas where development will not conflict with or may enhance environmental values.  These areas of agreement are integrated with existing state laws and programs.

The plan shall be coordinated with planning processes and activities developed by the Joint Select Committee on Water Resource Policy.

The bill is null and void if the appropriations act does not provide specific funding.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   44    2

     House 96  0

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989