VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1975-S

                   April 26, 1997

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 section 3, Substitute House Bill No. 1975 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the ownership of coal-fired thermal electric generating facilities placed in operation before July 1, 1975;"

     This legislation provides the Centralia Steam Plant the ability to include a broader array of electric generating or transmitting entities within its partnership.  This increased flexibility will help ensure that the plant will continue to operate into the future.

     This legislation includes an emergency clause in section 3.  Although this bill is important, it is not a matter for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions.

     For this reason, I have vetoed section 3 of Substitute House Bill No. 1975.

     With the exception of section 3, Substitute House Bill No. 1975 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor