SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SCR 8419

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY

           & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

Brief Description:  Creating a joint select committee on sustainable development.

SPONSORS: Senators Skratek, Sheldon and M. Rasmussen

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8419 be substituted therefor, and the substitute resolution do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, M. Rasmussen and Williams.

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786‑7428)

Hearing Dates: January 19, 1994; February 2, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Over the past decade, a number of individuals and organizations addressing the linked problems concerning the environment and development began to use the term "sustainability" to describe the goal of integrating environmental and development concerns.  Sustainable development has been defined as that development which allows our economic goals to be achieved in a manner that does not detract from the capacity to achieve the same goals repeatedly in the future. 

Advocates of sustainable development strategies believe that our current practices should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  They believe that, just as the environment and the economy are inexorably linked, so must partnerships be formed between industry, environmental and other organizations, and government to demand new systems, processes, and products to help internalize environmental costs and use resources more carefully and efficiently.

SUMMARY:

A joint select committee on sustainable development is established to examine existing state programs which follow the precepts of sustainable development, evaluate current resource limitations, study and analyze models of sustainable development, and develop a comprehensive framework for sustainable development in the state.

The committee is also to encourage regional efforts to promote sustainable development and make recommendations regarding legislative and regulatory changes.

The committee is to consist of six senators, six representatives, and four executive branch members.

The committee is to report to the Legislature and the Governor prior to the 1995 legislative session and expires on April 1, 1995.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The joint select committee is replaced with a sustainable development subcommittee of the Executive-Legislative Committee on Economic Develop Policy.  The subcommittee is to:  arrive at a definition of sustainable development; examine models of sustainable development; develop a framework for sustainable development with the Departments of Ecology and Community, Trade, and Economic Development; identify opportunities to promote sustainable development through regional organizations; and make recommendations regarding executive and legislative action necessary to develop and implement a sustainable development plan for the state.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Economic development and environmental enhancement are intertwined; this can encourage better environmental results and save businesses money.  Success comes from establishing relationships between different sectors of society.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Frank Gaffney, NW Renewable Resources Center; Marvin Vialle, Department of Ecology; Roger Collis, Department of Trade and Economic Development; Scott Merriman, Washington Energy Office; Richard Locke, Battelle