SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6010
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 of January 29, 2010
Title: An act relating to a state designated green source of wood fiber for state-funded construction.
Brief Description: Concerning a state designated green source of wood fiber for state-funded construction.
Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Hargrove, Sheldon, Morton, Jacobsen, Schoesler, Brandland, Zarelli, Stevens and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/28/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION |
Staff: Sherry McNamara (786-7402)
Background: In 2005 the Legislature enacted High-Performance Building Standards requiring all major facility projects funded in the capital budget, or projects financed through a financing contract as established by law, to be designed, constructed, and certified to at least the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver standard. This requirement applies to any entity, including public agencies and public school districts, although the school districts may use the Washington Sustainable School Design Protocol.
The stated purpose of the standard is to improve the built environment and emphasize design and construction practices that reduce energy consumption and water use, improve indoor air quality, and minimize the impact on the natural environment.
Summary of Bill: Green source of wood fiber is defined to mean a Washington forest product produced in compliance with forest practices rules. It does not include any wood from a forest land owner who has been found to have committed an intentional forest practice violation within the last three years.
All major facility projects funded in the capital budget, or projects financed through a financing contract must, to the maximum extent possible, use only wood products from a Washington State designated green source of wood fiber.
If wood products from a Washington State designated green source of wood fiber were not used in a project, the Department of General Administration and the Superintendent of Public Instruction are required to include reasons why they were not in their biennial report.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill is trying to level the playing field by encouraging, to the extent possible, the use of Washington wood products. Promoting the use of home-grown lumber is good for the economy, jobs, the timber industry, and for high performance buildings.
CON: The design of a building or project and the type of materials that are used should be left to the professionals and not mandated by statute. The bill should support all Washington materials and their attributes, such as masonry that provides long-term life of a building.
OTHER: The LEED standard discriminates against wood products and the forest industry here in Washington because of the Forest Stewardship Certification (FSC) that requires 50 percent set-asides under the plantation standard. There needs to be another standard added to the statute like Green Globes. The LEED standard does not take into account the embodied energy or life-cycle costs and benefits of building materials.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Honeyford, prime sponsor.
CON: Stan Bowman, American Institute of Architects Washington Council; Bruce Chattin, Washington Aggregates and Concrete; Tonia Neal, Washington Mason Contractors; Blair Haiter, Basalite; Bill Thordarson, Mutual Materials; Steve Borman, Keystone Masonry.
OTHER: Bill Stauffacher, American Forest and Paper Association; Debora Munguia, Washington Forest Protection Association.