Title: An act relating to use of high-efficiency lighting in state government.

Brief Description: Creating a preference for high-efficiency lighting in state government.

Sponsors: Representatives Chase, Williams, Morrell, Hasegawa, Hudgins, Campbell, Kagi and Upthegrove.

Brief History:

Technology, Energy & Communications: 1/22/08, 1/29/08 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives McCoy, Chair; Eddy, Vice Chair; Crouse, Ranking Minority Member; McCune, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hankins, Herrera, Hudgins, Hurst, Kelley, Morris, Takko and Van De Wege.

Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).

Background:

In 2001 the Legislature enacted legislation containing provisions related to energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy. In its legislative findings, the Legislature recognized that buildings, facilities, and equipment owned by state government consume significant amounts of energy and that energy conservation actions that provide for the efficient use of energy will reduce the cost of state government.

Energy Conservation: State agencies and schools districts are required to: (1) conduct preliminary energy surveys and audits of their buildings; and (2) implement cost-effective conservation improvements in order to minimize energy consumption and related environmental impacts, as well as reduce operating costs.

The Department of General Administration tracks and reports the installation of any energy conservation measures that result from the surveys or audits.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

When a state agency purchases or requires a bid for the purchase of an indoor lamp, the state agency must exercise a preference for solid-state lighting if:

• the use of solid-state lighting is technically feasible; and
• the price is competitive with consideration given to the long-term cost effectiveness and savings of solid-state lighting.

If solid-state lighting is not technically feasible or cost effective for a particular application, the state agency must exercise a preference for using a fluorescent lamp if:

• the use of a fluorescent lamp is technically feasible; and
• the price is competitive with consideration given to the long-term cost effectiveness and savings of fluorescent lamps.

The goal for state agencies is that 100 percent of their purchased indoor lamps be in the form of high-efficiency lighting by January 1, 2010. The Department of General Administration must prepare an annual report to the Legislature on the state's progress in meeting this goal.

"High-efficiency lighting" is defined as fluorescent lamp or solid-state lighting. "Solid-state lighting" is defined as a device that uses a type of light-emitting diodes, rather than electrical filaments or gas.

"Technically feasible" means the technology is compatible and appropriate for the current appliance and use.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill: (1) adds a definition of "technically feasible" and (2) delays by one year the target date for state agencies to purchase 100 percent of their indoor lighting in the form of high-efficiency lighting.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 16, 2008.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Our state has made great advancements in improving energy conservation in public buildings. It would be helpful to define "technically feasible" to include consideration of whether the lighting is appropriate for the use. Meeting a 100 percent goal by 2009 may be too aggressive; it would be better to set a less aggressive target date in order to see the agencies succeed in meeting the goals. It is important to minimize energy waste and maximize energy efficiency. Light-emitting diodes have a longer life span and require less energy. This is a necessary transition for our state to make.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Chase, prime sponsor; and Carrie Dolwick, Northwest Energy Coalition.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.