BILL REQ. #:  H-0999.2 

Read first time 01/22/09.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to streamlining the implementation and coordination of state energy policies and programs; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that it is in the state's best interest to pursue an aggressive sustainable energy agenda. Since all new energy is the most expensive energy, it is the place of government to initiate and drive policy for new energy technologies that will be the most reasonable cost energy for the future. The state has passed legislation in recent years that promotes the use and manufacturing of renewable energy technologies, requires energy efficiency and conservation, supports consumption of biofuels and the growth of state biofuel feedstocks, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants and automobiles. These policies are pursued with the intent of protecting and enhancing Washington's economy and future.
     Various state agencies and institutions have been designated to execute sustainable energy policies and programs. These agencies include the energy policy division of the department of community, trade, and economic development, Washington State University's energy extension program, the utilities and transportation commission, the department of general administration, the department of agriculture, and the department of ecology. Additionally, the legislature and executive agencies have established other sustainable energy initiatives such as the energy freedom fund and the biofuels advisory committee, respectively. The legislature finds that it may be necessary in the future to establish additional sustainable energy programs and initiatives.
     The legislature finds that the implementation of Washington's sustainable energy agenda is being impeded due to the fragmented division of responsibilities among these state-based energy agencies and institutions and the lack of a central coordinating agency that ensures cooperation and the execution of a strategic plan.
     The legislature intends to centralize and integrate state energy programs and certain regulatory functions that are currently spread throughout state government into one central office called the sustainable energy office. In centralizing and integrating state energy programs, the legislature intends to ensure staffing resources are allocated in the most efficient and effective manner possible, eliminate the duplication of services, and ensure the execution of policies adopted by the legislature.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A sustainable energy office is created. The office shall be vested with all powers and duties established or transferred to it under this chapter and such other powers and duties as may be authorized by law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The executive head of the sustainable energy office is the director. The director of the office shall be appointed by the governor.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   (1) The director of the sustainable energy office shall supervise and administer the activities of the office and shall advise the governor and the legislature with respect to sustainable energy matters affecting the state.
     (2) The director shall develop a sustainable energy strategy to drive Washington's sustainable energy goals.
     (3) The director shall oversee the development of a sustainable energy work plan in consultation with the sustainable energy work group to carry out the goals established in the sustainable energy strategy. The work plan shall provide actions:
     (a) To ensure state staffing resources are allocated in the most efficient and effective manner possible to accomplish the strategic plan;
     (b) To eliminate the duplication of services;
     (c) To ensure the execution of policies adopted by the legislature; and
     (d) To establish performance metrics and to regularly measure progress in achieving the sustainable energy strategy.
     (4) The director shall oversee a state agency sustainable energy work group to meet no less than quarterly to coordinate activities to implement the sustainable energy work plan. The work group shall consist of the directors, or designees determined by the directors, of the following state energy entities:
     (a) The department of agriculture;
     (b) The department of ecology;
     (c) The department of general administration;
     (d) The energy policy division of the department of community, trade, and economic development;
     (e) The utilities and transportation commission;
     (f) Washington State University's energy extension program; and
     (g) Any other state energy entity designated by the governor.
     (5) In addition to other powers and duties granted to the director, the director has the following powers and duties:
     (a) Enter into contracts on behalf of the state to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
     (b) Act for the state in the initiation of or participation in any intergovernmental program relative to the purpose of this chapter;
     (c) Accept and expend gifts and grants, whether such grants be of federal or other funds;
     (d) Prepare and submit budgets for the office for executive and legislative action;
     (e) Submit recommendations for legislative actions as are deemed necessary to further the purposes of this chapter;
     (f) Delegate powers, duties, and functions as the director deems necessary for efficient administration, while the director is responsible for the official acts of the officers and employees of the office; and
     (g) Perform other duties as are necessary and consistent with law.
     (6) When federal or other funds are received by the office, they shall be promptly transferred to the state treasurer and thereafter expended only upon the approval of the director.
     (7) The director may request information and assistance from all other agencies, departments, and officials of the state.
     (8) The director shall, in carrying out the responsibilities of office, consult with governmental officials, private groups, and individuals and with officials of other states. All state agencies and their officials and the officials of any political subdivision of the state shall cooperate with and give such assistance to the office, including the submission of requested information, to allow the office to carry out its purposes under this chapter.
     (9) The director may establish additional advisory or coordinating groups with the legislature, within state government, with state and other governmental units, with the private sector and nonprofit entities, or in specialized subject areas as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
     (10) The internal affairs of the office are under the control of the director in order that the director may manage the office in a flexible and intelligent manner as dictated by changing contemporary circumstances. Unless specifically limited by law, the director has complete charge and supervisory powers over the office.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   This act takes effect July 1, 2010.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   Sections 1 through 4 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.