| VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2129 |
| May 11, 2009 |
| To the Honorable Speaker and Members, |
| The House of Representatives of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I have approved, except for Section 4, House Bill 2129 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to the greenhouse gas emissions performance standard under chapter 80.80 RCW." |
| Section 4 allows the governing boards of public utilities to exempt themselves from performance standards if they find "extraordinary cost impacts on utility ratepayers." I am vetoing this section because there is no clear definition of what these impacts may be on ratepayers, no process by which other parties would have the opportunity to present evidence and argument opposing a proposed exemption, and no clear legal framework that assures transparency and accountability. |
| For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 4 of House Bill 2129. With the exception of Section 4, House Bill No. 2129 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine Gregoire |
| Governor |