SB 5674-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/13/01)

     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.

     Provides that the center shall be funded through grants and voluntary cash and in-kind contributions.

     Requires the following agencies and programs to work with the center to assist with the duties under this act:  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.

     Authorizes the board to 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.

     Provides that all emitters of greenhouse gases are encouraged to seek mitigation of their emissions.

     Provides that, upon a request, accompanied with adequate funding, the center may:  (1) Assist any emitter in selecting mitigation projects;

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

     (3) Determine what monitoring and verification standards would be useful in the evaluation of mitigation projects.