AN ACT Relating to energy siting review;
creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.
The legislature finds that meeting future energy demands within the state will
require the siting of new generating facilities, renewable resources,
transmission facilities, and natural gas pipelines. The legislature further
finds that current siting processes, designed to accommodate large thermal
power plants, do not allow efficient development of current energy supply
options. The legislature further finds that a comprehensive review and
revision of siting policy is needed to ensure timely development of adequate,
environmentally sound energy resources at an affordable cost.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.
There is created an energy siting process review committee. The committee
shall review the siting processes currently applicable to energy facilities,
including: (1) Major thermal power plants; (2) natural gas-fired combustion
turbines; (3) cogeneration plants; (4) hydroelectric facilities; (5) other
renewable resources, including wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass energy; (6)
natural gas pipelines; and (7) electric transmission lines. The committee
shall recommend changes to statutes, rules, and policies that will reduce the
cost and allow timely siting of new resources while preserving environmental
quality, recognizing and ensuring coordination with applicable federal
licensing and permitting authorities, promoting energy system reliability,
allowing public review and comment, and ensuring an appropriate role for local
government.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.
The energy siting process review committee shall consist of fifteen members, as
follows:
(1) One member from each of the two largest
caucuses of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate;
(2) One member from each of the two largest caucuses
of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of
representatives; and
(3) Eleven members appointed by the governor,
representing the following interests:
(a) One member representing cities;
(b) One member representing counties;
(c) One member representing publicly owned
electric utilities;
(d) One member representing investor-owned
electric utilities;
(e) One member representing natural gas local
distribution utilities;
(f) One member representing natural gas
pipeline companies;
(g) One member representing environmental
organizations;
(h) One member representing independent power
producers; and
(i) Three members representing citizens at
large.
Members appointed by the governor shall
represent the various geographical regions of the state.
The chairperson shall be selected by the
governor from the citizen members of the committee.
Members appointed by the governor shall receive
no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for travel expenses
as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. Legislative members shall be
reimbursed for expenses as provided in RCW 44.04.120.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.
The state energy office shall provide staff support to the energy siting
process review committee.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.
The energy siting process review committee shall report its findings and
recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the governor and
appropriate standing committees of the legislature no later than December 1,
1993.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6.
This act shall expire June 30, 1994.
