HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SHJM 4010

                       As Passed House

                       March 19, 1991

Brief Description:  Asking Congress to develop a national energy policy.

Sponsor(s):  By House Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Representatives R. Fisher, Schmidt, Cooper, Wilson, R. Meyers, Prentice, Wood, Heavey, Chandler, R. Johnson, Forner, P. Johnson, Mitchell, Brough, Haugen, Zellinsky, Jones, Kremen, Cantwell, Phillips, Nealey, Paris, Bray, Rayburn, Nelson and Anderson).

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Energy & Utilities, March 6, 1991, DPS;

Passed House, March 19, 1991, 86-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

ENERGY & UTILITIES

Majority Report: That Substitute House Bill No. 4010 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Grant, Chair; H. Myers, Vice Chair; May, Ranking Minority Member; Hochstatter, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bray; Casada; Cooper; R. Fisher; Jacobsen; Miller; and Rayburn.

Staff:  Fred Adair (786-7113).

Background:  The nation's economy, the trade deficit, national security, and jobs are tied closely to adequate and stable supplies of energy.  Domestic oil production continues to decline and foreign imports rise.

Increasing oil imports, particularly from politically volatile regions of the world, place this country in a vulnerable position.

There is an urgent need to pursue all practicable alternatives to oil use, especially increased efficiency in energy use.

Summary of Bill:  Congress is urged to enact a national energy strategy and implement measures that will most effectively lead to reduced dependence on foreign oil.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  We need a clear national energy strategy, but the urging should be broadened to include all alternatives to foreign oil.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Amy Bell, State Energy Office.