SB 5100-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Declares that it shall be the goal of the state of Washington to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases throughout the state and across all major sectors.

Provides that: (1) By December 1, 2010, the state of Washington will reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions to a level that does not exceed the total annual production of greenhouse gases produced within the state in 1990.

(2) By December 1, 2020, the state of Washington will reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions to a level that is at least ten percent below the total annual production of greenhouse gases produced within the state in 1990.

(3) Beyond 2020, the state of Washington will continue to reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions to levels consistent with long-term stabilization of greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere and consistent with the recommendations of the intergovernmental panel on climate change.

Requires the Washington State University center for climate and rural development in cooperation with the department, the department of community, trade, and economic development, and other government entities, including local air pollution control agencies, to report to the legislature and governor every three years on greenhouse gas emissions produced instate and total greenhouse gas emissions produced out of state as a result of in-state energy demands. The report shall describe progress toward achieving the goals set forth in this act.

Directs the center, in cooperation with the department, the department of community, trade, and economic development, the energy facility site evaluation council, and other interested parties, to create a greenhouse gas emissions registry by December 31, 2006. To the maximum extent possible, the center shall coordinate with other states that have or are developing such registries.

Authorizes the center to determine that Washington state participation in an existing or proposed multistate climate registry is sufficient to meet the requirements of this act.

Directs the center together with the department of community, trade, and economic development to investigate greenhouse gas reduction strategies for the state and report its findings to the governor and legislature.

Requires the center together with the department and the department of community, trade, and economic development to investigate the feasibility of a greenhouse gas cap and trade system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They shall produce a report to the governor and legislature by December 31, 2006.