VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1724-S

                   May 15, 1995

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 103, 302, and 903, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1724 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to implementing the recommendations of the governor's task force on regulatory reform on integrating growth management planning and environmental review;"

     This is a landmark piece of legislation.  The result of eighteen months of work by the Governor's Task Force on Regulatory Reform, it represents a remarkable consensus of business, environmental, labor, neighborhood, and governmental interests.  This measure is an example of real regulatory reform.  It provides for consolidated and streamlined procedures, encourages more efficient use of both private and public resources, provides for better planning which leads to greater certainty, and maintains and enhances the quality of life in our state.

     Sections 103 and 302 amend RCW 36.70A.030 and 90.58.030 respectively.  These same sections are amended by Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5776.  The amendments to these sections in the Senate bill are identical to the amendments included in Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1724, with the exception that Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5776 includes an exemption for inadvertent wetlands created as a result of road construction.  The language included in Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5776 is preferable to and fully effectuates the changes included in sections 103 and 302 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1724.

     Section 903 provides that this bill will not become law if by June 30, 1995 the legislature fails to enact a budget and reference the bill by number in that budget.  Although I do not doubt the legislature will adopt a budget and provide funding, such a provision places this legislation at unnecessary risk.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 103, 302, and 903 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1724.

     With the exception of sections 103, 302, and 903, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1724 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor