SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2416

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.

Sponsors: House Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Chase, Eddy, Van De Wege, Morrell, Upthegrove, Simpson, Kenney, Hudgins and Ormsby).

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Rockefeller, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair; Fraser, Marr, Oemig and Ranker.

Background: States may establish minimum energy efficiency standards for electrical products if state standards are not preempted by federal standards. Washington has, since 2005, enacted standards for several products, often by adopting standards originally adopted by California.

In November 2009 the California Energy Commission promulgated energy efficiency standards for televisions (TVs) with screens of 1,400 square inches or smaller (approximately 58 inches in a diagonal measurement). The standards, which have not yet been formally adopted under California procedural requirements, would apply to TVs sold in California that are manufactured beginning in 2011. An initial standard is intended to reduce TV energy consumption by 33 percent. A more stringent standard applying to TVs manufactured beginning in 2013 is intended to reduce TV energy consumption (in conjunction with the initial 2011 standard) by 49 percent.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): The Department of Commerce (Commerce) must monitor TV energy efficiency standards proposed in California and Oregon. After either state adopts proposed standards and Commerce determines that uniform standards among west coast states would promote consistency and provide market influence in achieving greater energy efficiency, Commerce must, by December 1 of the year in which it makes the determination, provide the Legislature with recommendations regarding adoption of TV energy efficiency standards.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): A striking amendment deletes all provisions and adopts a new section requiring the Department of Commerce to monitor TV energy efficiency standards proposed in California and Oregon. After either state adopts proposed standards and Commerce determines that uniform standards among west coast states would promote consistency and provide market influence in achieving greater energy efficiency, Commerce must, by December 1 of the year in which it makes the determination, provide the Legislature with recommendations regarding adoption of TV energy efficiency standards.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Substitute House Bill: PRO: Standards in this bill will considerably reduce energy consumption, save Washington rate payers $24 million annually, and reduce carbon emissions. Over 300 TVs on the market currently meet standards proposed in California. Current Energy Star standards are too low. TVs now account for 10 percent of energy consumption. There are currently more TVs than people in Washington. Greater energy consumption by new large-screen TVs has eroded efforts to conserve electricity.

CON: Energy Star standards are sufficient. This bill will put Washington businesses at a competitive disadvantage. Standards in the bill are too aggressive, and threaten TV sales in Washington and related jobs.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Morris, prime sponsor; Heather Weiner, Sierra Club; Carrie Dolwick, Northwest Energy Coalition; Tony Usibelli, Department of Commerce; Howard Schwartz, Northwest Power and Conservation Council; Collins Sprague, Avista Corp.

CON: Charlie Brown, Consumer Electronic Association; Mark Johnson, Washington Retail Association; Chris McCabe, Association of Washington Business.