BILL REQ. #:  H-3708.1 

Prefiled 12/30/2005. Read first time 01/09/2006.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to developing regional compacts for siting transmission lines; adding new sections to chapter 80.50 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   It is the intent of the legislature to create a regional process for siting of new transmission lines that cross state borders in order to encourage neighboring states to act regionally when proposing new transmission projects. This regional process will facilitate the siting of new cross borders electrical transmission lines by providing a "one stop" licensing process. This act calls for the creation of an interstate body to govern the agreement and activities between the states.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 80.50 RCW to read as follows:
     A multistate council must be established by compact and be made up of at least three adjoining states, including Washington. The multistate council must coordinate and oversee the process of siting transmission lines that cross state borders as permitted by the national energy policy act of 2005.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 80.50 RCW to read as follows:
     The multistate electrical transmission siting council may review, certify, and permit siting of transmission facilities, including facilities in national interest electric transmission corridors that are not on property owned by the United States.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 80.50 RCW to read as follows:
     The multistate electrical transmission siting council will: Specify the conditions of construction and operation; issue permits in lieu of any other individual state or local agency authority; and manage the environmental and safety oversight programs of transmission line operations.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   A new section is added to chapter 80.50 RCW to read as follows:
     The multistate electrical transmission siting council consists of a chair and councilmembers. The chair must be nominated by the councilmembers from amongst their membership, and be approved by the governors of each participating state. Councilmembers must be representatives from the following state agencies or their equivalent from each participating state: The department of ecology; the department of fish and wildlife; the department of natural resources; the department of community, trade, and economic development; and the utilities and transportation commission.