HB 1975-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Provides that cities of the first class, public utility districts organized under chapter 54.08 RCW, and joint operating agencies organized under chapter 43.52 RCW, shall have the power and authority to participate and enter into agreements for the undivided ownership of a coal-fired thermal electric generating plant and facility placed in operation before July 1, 1975, including related common facilities, and for the planning, financing, acquisition, construction, operation, and maintenance of the plant and facility.

     Provides that cities may enter into agreements under this act with each other, with regulated utilities, with rural electric cooperatives, with utility districts, with electric companies subject to the jurisdiction of the regulatory commission of any other state, and with any power marketer subject to the jurisdiction of the federal energy regulatory commission.

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