BILL REQ. #:  S-0810.1 

Read first time 01/19/2005.   Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

     AN ACT Relating to the ocean policy review commission; adding a new section to chapter 43.143 RCW; and creating new sections.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that Washington's coastal and ocean resources are among the most important of its natural resources and that the state holds these resources in trust for the people of Washington. Ocean based activities, such as fishing, aquaculture, tourism, recreation, and marine transportation have historically played a vital role in Washington's economy and culture. New ocean uses are being proposed in such areas as renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and ocean observing. A healthy ocean is an integral part of the high quality of life enjoyed in the state. Therefore, the people of Washington have an obligation to be good stewards of the ocean so that coastal and ocean resources are preserved for future generations.
     Washington's coastal and ocean resources face significant challenges, including the preservation of water quality, fish populations, and fish and wildlife habitat, and the utilization of opportunities offered by new sustainable use activities. Coordinated policy regarding Washington's coastal and ocean resources will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the state's ocean related programs and activities. The coordination of Washington's scientific resources will increase the quality and quantity of information available to assess current and proposed use activities. Additionally, the movement of ocean currents, atmospheric winds, and marine fish and wildlife across state and national borders and the multijurisdictional reach of many users of the coast and sea make cooperation between Washington and adjacent jurisdictions necessary.
     Between 2001 and 2004, two high level commissions, the United States commission on ocean policy and the Pew oceans commission, studied and issued reports documenting the state of our nation's oceans and provided ocean policy recommendations. In response to the final report of the United States commission on ocean policy, the president issued the United States ocean action plan and created the cabinet-level committee on ocean policy in December 2004. Through these actions, the federal government has evidenced an intent to facilitate coordination between federal, state, tribal, local governments, and other interested groups and to provide funding for ocean resources programs and activities.
     An evaluation of the condition of the state's coastal and ocean resources and the development of options for addressing the opportunities and challenges facing these resources will facilitate the adoption of a more efficient and effective ocean policy.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The ocean policy review commission is established.
     (2) The commission is composed of the following members:
     (a) The governor or the governor's designee;
     (b) The director of the department of fish and wildlife or the director's designee;
     (c) The commissioner of public lands or the commissioner's designee; and
     (d) Six individuals appointed by the governor possessing recognized expertise on ocean policy, program, or research issues. The governor shall consult with a wide range of sources when appointing commission members, including leaders from each major caucus of the senate and house of representatives.
     (3) The ocean policy review commission shall convene no later than June 1, 2005. Upon convening, the commission shall select a chair to preside over commission meetings and a vice-chair to preside in the chair's absence.
     (4) The commission shall convene a working group to provide information, suggestions, and feedback to the commission as it carries out the requirements of section 3 of this act. The commission shall determine the composition of the working group, which should include, but is not limited to, a representative or representatives of:
     (a) The federal government;
     (b) Tribal government;
     (c) Local coastal government;
     (d) Port districts;
     (e) Organizations engaged in environmental protection;
     (f) Businesses engaged in fishing; and
     (g) Organizations engaged in ocean science or technology.
     (5) Staff to the ocean policy review commission must be comprised of independent experts who are not affiliated with existing governmental entities or interest groups that have a strong stake in the outcome of the commission's work. In response to reasonable requests from the commission, the department of ecology, the department of fish and wildlife, and the department of natural resources shall provide information within the scope of the commission's work. The commission may contract for technical assistance on any topic or element of the commission's review with the University of Washington, where expertise in marine affairs and ocean and fishery sciences is extensive.
     (6) Members of the ocean policy review commission and the working group shall be reimbursed for travel expenses under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) The ocean policy review commission shall:
     (a) Examine the condition of Washington's coastal and ocean resources and their contribution to the state's character, quality of life, and economic vitality;
     (b) Review and summarize the various interests, roles, and responsibilities of public entities, tribal interests, and other stakeholders in the protection and management of Washington's coastal and ocean resources;
     (c) Identify and recommend ways to more effectively protect and manage coastal and ocean resources and take advantage of appropriate new opportunities to use such resources;
     (d) Identify and recommend ways to improve coordination between state agencies on coastal and ocean resources issues;
     (e) Identify and recommend ways to improve the state's coordination with Oregon, British Columbia, the federal government, other states, and tribal and local governments on coastal and ocean resources issues;
     (f) Identify and recommend ways to improve coordination of scientific and technological information and capabilities within the state; and
     (g) Identify and recommend ways to finance coastal and ocean protection, management, and development programs.
     (2) In conducting its work, the ocean policy review commission shall provide for extensive public participation. The commission shall schedule its meetings in locations throughout the state, including meetings in at least five different coastal locations. Additionally, the commission shall attempt to schedule its meetings in locations and at times convenient for public attendance.
     (3) The ocean policy review commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 31, 2006.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   The ocean policy review commission and its powers and duties terminate June 30, 2007.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   A new section is added to chapter 43.143 RCW to read as follows:
     The coastal and ocean resources account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from gifts or grants to the account, or legislative appropriations to the account, must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may only be used for coastal and ocean resources programs or activities. Only the governor or the governor's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   (1) The governor or the governor's designee shall work to secure federal grants and other sources of funding for inclusion in the coastal and ocean resources account during the existence of the ocean policy review commission.
     (2) The governor or the governor's designee, with participation by the members of the ocean policy review commission, shall represent the state in coastal and ocean resource discussions with the federal government, other states, and tribal and local governments during the existence of the ocean policy review commission.