Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Technology, Telecommunications & Energy Committee

HB 1221

Brief Description:  Modifying the definition of major public energy project.

Sponsors:  Representatives Delvin, Cooper, Hankins, Grant, Crouse, Dunshee, Hatfield and Pennington.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Eliminates the requirement for a public vote to authorize public financing for major public energy facilities except for nuclear power plants.

Hearing Date:  1/29/02

Staff:  Pam Madson (786‑7166).

Background:

In 1981, voters approved Initiative No. 394, the Washington State Energy Financing Voter Approval Act.  Under the act, a public utility district, city, county or joint operating agency is prohibited from selling bonds to finance the construction or acquisition of a major public energy project unless the voters of the respective governmental entity approve a ballot proposition authorizing the expenditure of funds.

A major public energy project is an electrical generating facility capable of generating more than 250 megawatts of electricity and is not limited to any particular type of generation.  Each plant located on the same geographic site is considered a separate energy project.  An expansion of an exiting facility is not subject to a vote unless the expansion produces more than 250 megawatts of electricity.

Summary of Bill:

Only public energy projects for the construction or acquisition of a nuclear power plant using public financing must seek approval from voters of the public agency proposing the project.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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