AN ACT Relating to potential climate change; adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature makes the following findings:

(1) The recent consensus report of the world's climate research community has concluded that significant climate change arising from pollutants generated by human activity is already underway.

(2) The best available analyses by northwest climate experts now indicate a projected doubling of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is now expected to increase the average temperature in Washington state four to seven degrees over the next fifty years.

(3) Such changes are likely to have major, adverse impacts on the state's environment and economy.

(4) The citizens of Washington state have consistently demonstrated global scientific, technological, and policy leadership.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Board" means the board of directors of the Washington climate center.

(2) "Center" means the Washington climate center.

(3) "Climate change" means a change of climate attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere.

(4) "Emissions" means the release of greenhouse gases.

(5) "Emitter" means the entity releasing greenhouse gases.

(6) "Greenhouse gases" includes carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and natural gas (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The state legislature authorizes the establishment of an independent, nonprofit organization known as the Washington climate center to serve as a central clearinghouse for all climate change activities in the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The center shall be funded through grants and voluntary cash and in-kind contributions.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. (1) The activities of the center shall be directed by a board of directors appointed by the governor, for terms of four years, beginning July 1, 2001. The board shall include fifteen members as follows:

(a) One member from each major party of the senate as recommended by their leadership;

(b) One member from each major party of the house of representatives as recommended by their leadership;

(d) One member from the department of community, trade, and economic development, energy policy group;

(e) One member from the Washington State University energy program;

(f) Three members from the nonprofit, climate sector;

(g) Three members from the business sector; and

(h) Two members from the climate academic sector, one representing the University of Washington, climate impacts group.

(2) The board shall retain and assign staff and volunteers as the board deems necessary.

(3) The Washington State University energy program and the University of Washington climate impacts group may provide technical assistance and research for the center.

(4) A vote of a majority of the members of the board shall bind the board.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. (1) The duties of the center may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Determining current and projected emissions of greenhouse gases in the state;

(b) Collecting and sharing scientific and technological data related to climate change;

(d) Advising relevant sectors of prospective commercial opportunities;

(e) Studying and recommending avenues for reducing short-term and long-term greenhouse gas emissions in the state;

(f) Studying and recommending the most cost-effective methods for reducing all net greenhouse gas emissions in the state, taking into consideration the absorption of greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration;

(g) Studying and recommending the most cost-effective methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector consistent with federal law;

(h) Certifying the extent and degree of any mitigation projects;

(i) Developing adequate methods for the monitoring and verification of mitigation projects; and

(j) Serving as a central, independent registry available for the trading of emissions credits, if any.

(2) The center shall:

(a) Develop and publish its rules of operation, calculations, and methods;

(b) Accomplish any other duty assigned to it by the legislature for which adequate funding is provided; and

(c) Provide an annual report to the governor and legislature by December 31st regarding its operations, including the status of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

(3) The center shall, within available funds, also:

(a) Identify key sectors within the state likely to be affected adversely by climate change;

(b) Examine and report the feasibility of a carbon storage program for the state by:

(i) Evaluating other states' and nations' attempts to establish carbon credit programs, carbon storage programs, carbon storage requirements worldwide, and methods and scientific programs that are used to implement carbon storage programs;

(ii) Analyzing other programs in the state of Washington, including the conservation reserve enhancement program, that could facilitate a carbon storage program and a stable carbon storage market;

(iii) Analyzing methods to encourage and increase appropriate carbon storage activities; and

(iv) Developing and preparing appropriate legislative responses and recommendations;

(d) Provide relevant scientific and technological information to the public and key sectors;

(e) Support a collaborative response to assist those sectors; and

(f) Assist in the creation of effective contingency planning for those sectors.

(4) The following agencies and programs shall work with the center to assist with the duties under this section: The department of community, trade, and economic development, the department of ecology, the department of transportation, the department of health, the department of fish and wildlife, the department of agriculture, the department of natural resources, and the Washington State University energy program.

(5) The board may establish task forces and technical advisory committees composed of state and local agencies, businesses, labor groups, timber industry groups, agricultural groups, nonprofit organizations, university and college programs, and interested groups and citizens as necessary to assist in the duties in this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. (1) All emitters of greenhouse gases are encouraged to seek mitigation of their emissions.

(2) Upon a request, accompanied with adequate funding, the center may:

(a) Assist any emitter in selecting mitigation projects;

(b) Determine and certify the amount of mitigation accomplished by any mitigation project; and

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. The center shall publicize successful mitigation projects and efforts to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2001.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. Sections 1 through 9 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 70 RCW.