SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5899

                              AS OF MARCH 4, 1991

Brief Description:  Requiring legislative authorization of pipelines located within Puget Sound, Admiralty Inlet, Deception Pass, or adjacent marine waters.

SPONSORS:Senators McMullen, Conner, Metcalf and Anderson.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Gabrielle Horner (786‑7717)

Hearing Dates:

BACKGROUND:

The primary authority to regulate and draft permits for the location, construction and operation of an energy facility, including oil transmission lines, is delegated to the state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC).  The final approval for an energy facility site rests with the Governor. 

EFSEC prepares a written report to the Governor which includes an evaluation of the project, a recommendation for approval or rejection of an energy facility application, and a draft certification agreement.  If approved, the Governor executes the certification agreement--a binding agreement between the applicant and the state containing conditions for the construction and operation of the energy facility.

SUMMARY:

When an application to site an energy facility concerns a petroleum or other natural resource pipeline in Puget Sound, Admiralty Inlet, Deception Pass, or adjacent marine waters, EFSEC must prepare and submit a report evaluating the proposal to the Legislature.

The Legislature may approve the application, reject the application, or direct EFSEC to reconsider certain aspects.  If the Legislature approves the application, the Governor can then approve or reject the application as in current law. 

If the Legislature rejects the application, no further action may be taken with regard to that application.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested