FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6107

C 215 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Extending the applicability of provisions relating to geothermal energy.

Sponsors:  Senators Fraser and Morton.

Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Water

House Committee on Technology, Telecommunications & Energy

Background:  In 1981, the Legislature provided for the allocation of revenues distributed to the state under the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970.  The revenues were dedicated to reduce of dependence on nonrenewable energy, stimulate the development of geothermal energy, mitigate impacts of geothermal development, provide financial assistance to counties to offset the costs associated with that development, and maintain the productivity of renewable resources through the reinvestment of proceeds from these resources.

The funds are distributed as follows:  (1) 30 percent to the Department of Natural Resources for geothermal exploration and assessment; (2) 30 percent to Washington State University for the purpose of encouraging the development of geothermal energy; and (3) 40 percent to the county of origin for mitigating impacts caused by geothermal energy exploration, assessment, and development.

The account has been dormant since 1989 due to the limitations placed on geothermal energy development on federal lands by the U.S. Forest Service.

The chapter creating the geothermal energy account terminates on June 30, 2001.

Summary:  The geothermal energy statute is extended 10 additional years.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate480

House     95 0

Effective:  May 8, 2001