SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6478

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 4, 1992

Brief Description:  Enlarging the duties of the energy office by requiring that the office be responsible for encouraging adequate energy supplies and represent the state's interest in the siting of electrical transmission lines.

SPONSORS: Senators Thorsness, Sutherland and Saling

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

Staff:  Phil Moeller (786‑7445)

Hearing Dates: February 4, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Energy Office (WSEO) is charged with a wide range of statutory directives.  These responsibilities include updating energy emergency contingency plans, maintaining a repository of energy resource data, serving as the official state agency responsible for coordination of energy-related activities, providing support for increasing cost-effective energy conservation, and others.

Concern has been raised that no agency within state government has the responsibility to support policies that encourage adequate supplies of energy resources.

SUMMARY:

The responsibilities of the State Energy Office are enlarged to include:  representing the interests of the state in matters that encourage adequate supplies of energy resources for the citizens of the state; and representing the interests of the state in the siting of electrical transmission and distribution facilities and natural gas distribution facilities.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 4, 1992