FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6146

C 151 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Encouraging renewable energy and energy efficiency businesses in Washington.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Morton, Esser, Eide, Winsley, Kohl-Welles, Keiser and Kline).

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water

House Committee on Technology, Telecommunications & Energy

Background: According to a recent report issued by the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED), the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors in Washington currently generate close to $1 billion in annual revenues and employ over 3,800 people. The report also explores how these sectors are likely to react to current market conditions and public policies, and concludes that the long-term prospects show strong potential for future growth.

The Washington Technology Center (WTC) is a collaborative effort between the state's universities, private industry, and government housed at the University of Washington. The statutory mission of the WTC includes performing and commercializing research on a statewide basis that benefits the intermediate and long-term economic vitality of the state. The WTC recently created a Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative of business, government, nonprofit, industry, and educational institutions to accelerate the emergence and growth of the energy technology industry in the Pacific Northwest region.

Summary: Legislative findings are outlined relating to the many benefits the state derives from its renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors, and the Legislature's intent is declared to establish the state as a leader in clean energy research, development, manufacturing, and marketing.

The Washington Technology Center is directed to use its existing Northwest Energy Technology Collaborative Project to provide a forum for public and private collaborative initiatives to promote the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.

The WTC's responsibilities are amended to include using the collaborative project to develop and implement a strategic plan for public and private sector collaboration in renewable energy and energy efficiency business development. A process for developing the strategic plan, addressing necessary elements, and reporting back to the Governor and the Legislature is specified.

The definitions of "high technology" and "technology" in the WTC's chapter are expanded to include renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       49  0

House       95  0

Effective: June 10, 2004