SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5446

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 19, 1991

Brief Description:  Extending the moratorium on leases for oil and gas exploration, development, or production until the year 2000.

SPONSORS:Senators Owen, Metcalf and Pelz.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Oke, Vice Chairman; Conner, Owen, and Snyder. 

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

      Signed by Senators Amondson, Barr, and Patterson. 

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates:February 19, 1991

BACKGROUND:

In 1989 the Legislature established a 1995 moratorium on the sale, lease and exploration for oil and minerals in the state's tidal and submerged lands extending three miles along the Washington coast from Cape Flattery to Cape Disappointment. 

Exploration was also prohibited in Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay and in the Columbia River downstream from the Longview bridge.

The Department of Ecology was requested to complete studies to assist the Legislature in making further determinations concerning oil and gas exploration and leasing off of Washington State waters.

SUMMARY:

The 1995 moratorium established in 1989 is extended to the year 2000.  The term exploration is defined to mean reconnaissance, seismic or survey work related to gathering information about geologic features and formations underlying or adjacent to the state's marine waters. 

The requirement for a Department of Ecology study is repealed, reverting $100,000 to the general fund from funds appropriated in the 1989 biennial operating budget.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

A permanent moratorium would be better.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Jeff Parsons, Audubon Society (pro)