SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6264

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

Brief Description:  Authorizing a regional compact for restoring salmon runs.

SPONSORS: Senators Sutherland, Oke and Fraser

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6264 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; Hargrove, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Erwin, Franklin, Haugen, Oke, Sellar, L. Smith, Snyder and Spanel.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates: January 31, 1994; February 4, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The Endangered Species Act has been applied to several runs of salmon in the Columbia River.  As a result, Idaho, California, Washington and Oregon are considering cooperative policies to ensure that further runs are not found to be endangered.

The Oregon Legislature has passed this compact.  It is pending in the California Legislature and will be considered in Idaho in 1995.

SUMMARY:

The state of Washington is authorized to enter into an interstate compact with California, Idaho and Oregon to protect and restore coastal ecosystems.  The purpose of the compact is to develop programs that prevent the need for listing of any native salmon species under the federal Endangered Species Act.  The policies will be designed to sustain natural production of these species at levels that provide substantial environmental, economic and social benefits. 

The Governor shall coordinate the efforts of the state of Washington to work with California, Idaho and Oregon to develop regional plans.  The Governor will consult with the affected Indian tribes, the Department of Ecology, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Group Advisory Board and agencies in the three other states.  The Governor may establish cooperative agreements with other states in the compact to coordinate individual efforts in developing state programs that further region-wide goals. 

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The compact will be for endangered salmon and steelhead runs and will allow all four states to cooperate on programs.  The Governor may enter into multi-state agreements before the compact takes effect.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date:  July 1, 1994

TESTIMONY FOR:

A compact is needed to back up the four states' efforts and to require coordination.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

Some confusing language should be clarified.

TESTIFIED:  Ann Morgan, DNR (pro); Barbara Lindsay, Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association (pro); Ed Manary, Department of Fisheries (pro)