HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6172
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Ways & Means
Title: An act relating to oil spill advisory council.
Brief Description: Suspending the powers and duties of the oil spill advisory council for the 2009-2011 biennium.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Rockefeller and Ranker).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Ways & Means: 4/25/09 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill (As Amended by House) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 22 members: Representatives Linville, Chair; Ericks, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dammeier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Pettigrew, Priest, Ross, Schmick, Seaquist and Sullivan.
Staff: Owen Rowe (786-7391)
Background:
In 2005 the Oil Spill Advisory Council (Council) was created in the Office of the Governor to aid in the prevention of oil spills by working with communities, governments, and industry. The Council also serves as an advisory body on, and provides for stakeholder and public consideration of, matters relating to international, national, and regional oil spill issues.
The Council is composed of 16 members appointed by the Governor, plus two invited tribal representatives. Members are appointed representing the following interests: environmental communities, commercial shellfish industries, other commercial fisheries, marine recreation, tourism, county governments, marine trade, marine labor, major oil facilities, public ports, and individuals who reside on a shoreline. Appointments to the Council must reflect a geographical balance and the diversity of populations within the areas potentially affected by oil spills in state waters. All members serve a four-year term.
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Summary of Amended Bill:
The activities of the Council are suspended for the 2009-11 biennium.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
A technical amendment was added to suspend the work plan, duties, and reporting requirements for the Oil Spill Advisory Council during the 2009-11 biennium.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on June 30, 2009.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) It is important to maintain the ability to bring back the Oil Spill Advisory Council (Council) when the state’s budget situation improves. That’s why I reluctantly support this bill. The Council has been an effective voice on a wide range of oil spill policy matters. The Council’s recent report on the state’s ability to respond to oil spills uncovered problems with oil spill preparedness.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Bruce Wichert, People for Puget Sound.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.