SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6264

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.

As of January 28, 2014

Title: An act relating to capping the amount of the greenhouse gas reporting fee.

Brief Description: Capping the amount of the greenhouse gas reporting fee.

Sponsors: Senator Ericksen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Energy, Environment & Telecommunications: 1/29/14.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)

Background: The Department of Ecology (Ecology) must adopt rules for reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Facilities emitting 10,000 metric tons of GHG per year or more and fuel suppliers of motor vehicle fuel, special fuel, or aircraft fuel products equivalent to at least 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year must report.

Ecology must amend its GHG reporting rules when necessary to be consistent with federal rules to avoid duplicative reporting. Beginning in 2011, a person who must report GHG emissions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must concurrently submit the reported data to Ecology. Ecology must share its GHG reports with the local clean air agency in which the reporting facility or supplier operates.

Ecology sets a reporting fee based on its costs to administer the program and the number of facilities and suppliers reporting.

Summary of Bill: The GHG reporting fee may not exceed $100.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.