SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5544

               As Passed Senate, March 14, 1995

Title:  An act relating to ocean resources.

Brief Description:  Concerning the leasing of state shoreline for the exploration of oil or gas.

Sponsors:  Senators Owen, Rinehart, Spanel, Haugen, C. Anderson and Fraser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources:  2/7/95, 2/17/95 [DP, DNP].

Passed Senate, 3/14/95, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Drew, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Haugen, Morton, Oke, Owen and Snyder.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senators A. Anderson, Strannigan and Swecker.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  In 1989, the Legislature established a policy that there would be no leasing of Washington's tidal or submerged lands extending from the mean high tide seaward through the state-owned lands three miles out to sea along the entire coast of Washington.  That prohibition and policy will expire July 1, 1995.

Summary of Bill:  The July 1, 1995, date is removed from the policy statement so that the moratorium concerning leasing of Washington's tidal or submerged lands will be permanent.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The state does not need oil exploration and drilling in state waters.  Potential environmental damage to coastal waters could occur if the state allowed exploration and drilling.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Fred Fellerman, Environmental Council; Naki Stevens, People for Puget Sound; Andy Palmer, American Oceans Campaign; David Ortman, Friends of the Earth; Carol Bason, Sierra Club.

House Amendment(s):  The moratorium on leasing of state tidal and submerged lands is extended to the year 2000.