SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6348

                    As of January 21, 2000

Title:  An act relating to the siting of energy facilities on lands managed by the parks and recreation commission.

Brief Description:  Modifying the siting of energy facilities.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser, Morton, Jacobsen, Swecker, Prentice, Costa and McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Energy, Technology & Telecommunications:  1/25/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Staff:  Andrea McNamara (786-7483)

Background:  The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) was created by the Legislature in the 1970's as the centralized state entity responsible for siting and monitoring large energy facilities, including intrastate pipeline facilities.  Membership of the council is prescribed in statute and consists of a citizen chair and representatives from nine state departments and commissions.

Once a project is approved by the Governor and certified by EFSEC, all state departments, agencies, divisions, bureaus, commissions, boards, and political subdivisions, are bound as to the approval of the site and the construction and operation of the proposed energy facility.  The issuance of a certificate is in lieu of any other permit or similar document required by any state or local government entity, whether the entity is a member of EFSEC or not.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is the state agency with proprietary authority and responsibility for the control and supervision of all state parks and parkways.  The commission has the power and duty to permit, via rulemaking, the use of state parks and parkways by the public.  The commission is not a member of EFSEC.

Summary of Bill:  The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council may not certify an energy facility on lands managed by the Parks and Recreation Commission unless the council first requests and obtains the commission's approval.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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