SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6077
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Environment, January 31, 2012
Ways & Means, February 7, 2012
Title: An act relating to generating additional revenue from the sale of solid fuel burning devices.
Brief Description: Generating additional revenue from the sale of solid fuel burning devices.
Sponsors: Senators Nelson, Conway, Frockt, Rolfes, Regala and Kline; by request of Department of Ecology.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Environment: 1/27/12, 1/31/12 [DP-WM, DNP].
Ways & Means: 2/06/12, 2/07/12 [DP, DNP, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators Nelson, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Chase, Fraser and Pridemore.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Honeyford, Morton and Sheldon.
Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Murray, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Brown, Conway, Fraser, Harper, Kastama, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Pridemore, Regala and Tom.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Hatfield, Hewitt, Holmquist Newbry, Honeyford, Padden and Schoesler.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators Parlette, Ranking Minority Member Capital; Baumgartner.
Staff: Michael Bezanson (786-7449)
Background: The Department of Ecology (DOE) is required to administer a woodstove education program for woodstove dealers and the public. The program is to provide information about the effects of woodstove emissions on health and air quality; ways to achieve better efficiency and emission performance from woodstoves; DOE approved woodstoves; and the benefits of replacing inefficient woodstoves with approved woodstoves.
There is a $30 fee on the retail sale of solid fuel-burning devices that has been in place since January 1, 1992. The revenue collected must be used for the woodstove education program.
Summary of Bill: An additional fee of $15 is assessed on the retail sale of each solid fuel-burning device. The revenue collected must be used by DOE for the woodstove education program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2012.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Environment): PRO: This is part of the Governor's budget proposal. It will reduce the amount of GF-S currently subsidizing the program. It is a net-zero change. This will provide some funding to help with education on the impacts of wood smoke.
Persons Testifying (Environment): PRO: Stu Clark, DOE; Gary Smith, Independent Business Assn.; Carrie Nyssen, American Lung Assn.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Ways & Means): PRO: This fee allows DOE to eliminate the General Fund subsidy for the program. This will not result in an increase in spending.
Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Marshall Taylor, DOE.