SB 6718-S2.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/18/02)

     Finds that:  (1) As a significant consumer of energy resources and a committed steward of public health and environmental quality, Washington state government is well-positioned to be a leader in promoting and using clean energy;

     (2) State government actions to promote and use clean energy are consistent with the state's environmental commitments, including addressing the potential impact to Washington's quality of life due to global climate changes and improving local and regional air quality;

     (3) State government actions to promote and use clean energy are also consistent with the state's high priority policy objectives to maintain competitive energy costs and a reliable and secure supply of energy resources; and

     (4) State government actions to promote and use clean energy are also consistent with the state's goals to support economic development opportunities by reducing traffic congestion and stimulating new and emerging energy technologies within the clean energy industry of the state's high-technology sector.

     Directs the department of general administration to encourage each agency of state government to use clean energy resources as defined in this act.  Each agency of state government shall determine the amount of clean energy resources that should be purchased and all such purchases shall be made within existing resources.

     Encourages each agency to obtain at least two percent per biennium of its energy consumption from clean energy resources or a reduction in consumption of at least two percent through energy conservation and energy efficiency measures, or a combination thereof.  The goal is to reach a cumulative total of ten percent by June 30, 2011.

     Provides that in preparing the biennial energy report required under RCW 43.21F.045(2)(h) to be transmitted to the governor and the legislature by December 1, 2002, the department must include the designated information.