BILL ANALYSIS

               House Bill 1189

      Oil and Gas Exploration/Production Moratorium

Brief Description: Making the moratorium on oil and gas exploration and production off the Washington coast permanent.

Committee:      Natural Resources

Sponsor(s):     Representatives K. Schmidt, Chandler, DeBolt, Zellinsky, Buck, McMorris,

Background:

In 1989, the Legislature established a policy temporarily prohibiting the leasing of Washington's tidal or submerged lands for coastal oil and gas exploration, development, and production.  In 1996, the Legislature extended this prohibition until July 1, 2000.

Summary:

The prohibition on coastal oil and gas exploration, development, and production is made permanent.  A statute, requiring a 1994 study identifying  the positive and negative impacts of  leasing state-owned lands for oil and gas development, is repealed.

                     Prepared by  Rick Anderson (786-7114)

                       House Natural Resources Committee

                               January 28, 1997