SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5921

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.

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5921 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide, Kilmer and McCaslin.

Background: Over the past several years, Washington has begun development of a climate change mitigation strategy. However, clean energy advocates believe Washington has fallen behind other states in developing clean energy policies, incentives and programs, and making strategic investments that support the development of clean technologies and clean energy companies.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The Clean Energy Leadership Initiative is created as a collaborative effort between the Governor's Office and a state-wide public-private clean energy alliance. The Clean Energy Leadership Council, made up of up to 15 members, is created to guide the initiative. The council is to conduct a strategic analysis to identify clean energy industry segments where Washington can be a leading state.

The council is also to develop strategic recommendations and implementation steps to move forward in the development of clean energy efforts. Initial recommendations are to be made to the Governor and the Legislature on procurement and leveraging of federal stimulus funding. The final analysis and recommendations are to be made by December 1, 2009.

After release of the final analysis and recommendations, the council is to convene a clean energy summit with the Governor and legislative leaders.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Other states have streamline permitting and coordination that makes them more competitive. Our existing energy infrastructure is impressive but our state will be better off in pursuing clean energy alternatives if we have a plan. The Council's tasks are on target. Only 4 percent of our green jobs are in clean and renewable energy. Energy markets are tough to navigate. We need to get our policies, technologies, and capital all moving in the right direction. The focus will be on companies that can deliver at-scale energy.

House Amendment(s): The amendment specifies that the Governor and a statewide public-private alliance will appoint and convene the Clean Energy Leadership Council. Legislators are added as members of the Council. The Council is to submit an interim clean energy strategy and initial recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 1, 2009, and the final clean energy strategy and recommendations by December 1, 2010.

The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development is to consider the clean energy leadership strategy when preparing its application for federal state energy program funding and determining the type and number of projects to fund and is to consult the clean energy leadership council prior to awarding federal energy stimulus funding for clean energy projects.

The Governor is to designate an existing full-time equivalent position within state government as the single point of accountability for all energy and climate change initiatives within state agencies. This person will chair the Evergreen Jobs Leadership Team established in E2SHB 2227. The Council will designate one of its members as its representative on the Evergreen Jobs Leadership Team to ensure alignment of efforts.