SB 5560-S2.E - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Requires all state agencies to: (1) Meet the statewide greenhouse gas emission limits established in RCW 70.235.020;

(2) Report estimates of emissions for 2005 to the department of ecology, including 2009 levels of emissions, and projected emissions through 2035;

(3) Estimate emissions from methodologies recommended by the department of ecology based on actual operation of those agencies;

(4) Report to the department of ecology the actions taken to meet the emission reduction targets under the strategy for the preceding fiscal biennium; and

(5) Cooperate in providing information to the departments of ecology, general administration, and community, trade, and economic development.

Requires the department of ecology to develop an emissions calculator to assist state agencies in estimating aggregate emissions as well as in estimating the relative emissions from different ways in carrying out activities.

Directs the governor to designate a person as the single point of accountability for all energy and climate change initiatives within state agencies and requires all agencies, councils, or work groups with energy or climate change initiatives to coordinate with this designee.

Requires the department of general administration to: (1) Develop strategies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions from all classes of vehicles; and

(2) Develop a separate fleet fuel economy standard for all other classes of vehicles.

Requires the departments of ecology, agriculture, community, trade, and economic development, fish and wildlife, natural resources, and transportation to develop an integrated climate change response strategy and authorizes these departments to consult with qualified nonpartisan experts from the scientific community as needed to assist with developing the strategy.

Provides that the act is null and void if appropriations are not approved.

 
VETO MESSAGE ON E2SSB 5560

May 15, 2009

To the Honorable President and Members,
The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I have approved, except for Sections 3, 4 and 7, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5560 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to state agency climate leadership."

Sections 3 and 4 require agencies to use battery operated or electric small-scale powered equipment that is not yet available for commercial or heavy duty use, although it is available for home or light duty use. I am directing the Department of General Administration to examine landscaping policies on the Capitol Campus and develop and implement a plan that will reduce the carbon footprint of landscaping within the 2009-11 biennium, including a pilot project to showcase methods for "green landscaping" of the Capitol Campus.

Section 7 addresses energy audits and high performance buildings. On May 8, 2009, I signed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5854 which directs the Department of General Administration to conduct energy audits and assign energy benchmarks of state buildings. Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5854 provides a complete and thorough process to examine state buildings and, therefore, this additional provision is not needed at this time.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Sections 3, 4 and 7 of Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5560.

With the exception of Sections 3, 4 and 7, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5560 is hereby approved.

Respectfully submitted,
Christine O. Gregoire
Governor