BILL REQ. #:  H-3545.1 

Read first time 01/13/2006.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to creating a Washington state energy efficiency program road map; adding a new section to chapter 28B.30 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that energy efficiency and conservation should be a priority for the state and its local communities. The legislature recognizes that opportunities exist for funding energy efficiency and conservation. In addition, there are models from other jurisdictions for increasing energy efficiency and conservation. It is the intent of the legislature that the Washington State University energy program study these issues and create a Washington state energy efficiency program road map.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28B.30 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The Washington State University energy program must conduct a study to create a Washington state energy efficiency program road map. The study must:
     (a) Evaluate the state's current efforts with respect to energy efficiency and conservation;
     (b) Evaluate the state's role in regional efforts to improve energy efficiency and conservation;
     (c) Evaluate the effectiveness of other jurisdictions with established programs for funding energy efficiency and conservation;
     (d) Evaluate methods for funding energy efficiency and conservation;
     (e) Identify areas where the state needs to increase energy efficiency and conservation;
     (f) Identify areas where the state could establish, expand, or fund efforts related to energy efficiency and conservation;
     (g) Identify methods and create recommended strategies to fund energy efficiency and conservation in areas where increased efforts are needed; and
     (h) Create the Washington state energy efficiency program road map containing recommended steps to be taken by the state, local governments, the Washington State University energy program, and other interested parties to establish, fund, and expand energy efficiency and conservation.
     (2) In conducting the study to create the Washington state energy efficiency program road map, the Washington State University energy program may consult with the following:
     (a) Representatives from all state agencies that deal with energy issues;
     (b) Representatives from public utility districts;
     (c) Representatives from electric utilities regulated by the utilities and transportation commission;
     (d) A representative from a private industry engaged in business related to energy efficiency and conservation;
     (e) A representative from an environmental organization;
     (f) A representative of energy users including commercial, industrial, and residential users; and
     (g) A representative from a regional organization involved in energy planning and distribution.
     (3) The Washington State University energy program must report results and provide the Washington state energy efficiency program road map to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2007.
     (4) This section expires January 31, 2008.