BILL REQ. #:  S-1348.2 

Read first time 02/11/2005.   Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

     AN ACT Relating to the University of Washington forest systems and bioenergy program; creating a new section; and making appropriations.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that forests throughout the American west are suffering from the accumulation of small-diameter wood materials to levels well in excess of what would be found in natural forest ecosystems. This build-up of materials, which lack any current market value, is in large part a result of vigorous and successful forest fire suppression efforts over the last century and represents a significant threat to forest health and ecosystem function. In particular, the excess biomass accumulation causes a heightened risk of catastrophic wildfires, decreases water availability in downstream waterways, and increases the risk of large scale insect outbreaks.
     In partnership with government scientists, rural community planners, and private industry, the University of Washington forest systems and bioenergy program is developing technology tools that use the abundant small-diameter wood materials as a cost-effective source of bioenergy for hydrogen fuel cells, biofuels for cars and engines, and other chemical applications. Research priorities include: (1) Maximizing the conversion efficiency of wood to methanol; (2) analyzing the economic, environmental, and social impacts of establishing conversion systems at a variety of locations; and (3) establishing best practices to ensure a sustainable harvest of forest materials.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The sum of . . . . . . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, from the general fund to the University of Washington forest systems and bioenergy program for the purposes of this act.
     (2) The sum of . . . . . . . . dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, from the general fund to the University of Washington forest systems and bioenergy program for the purposes of this act.