BILL REQ. #:  S-3521.2 

Read first time 01/13/12.   Referred to Committee on Energy, Natural Resources & Marine Waters.

     AN ACT Relating to setting a deadline for developing guidance for the siting of renewable energy facilities in the state's marine waters; and amending RCW 43.21F.062.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 43.21F.062 and 2010 c 145 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) In addition to the duties prescribed in RCW 43.21F.045, the department must develop guidance applicable to all state agencies for achieving a unified state position upon matters involving the siting and operation of renewable energy facilities in the state's coastal and estuarine marine waters. The guidance must provide procedures for coordinating the views and responsibilities of any state agency with jurisdiction or expertise over the matter under consideration, which may include federal policy proposals, activities, permits, licenses, or the extension of funding for activities in or affecting the state's marine waters. In developing the guidance, the director must consult with agencies with primary responsibilities for permitting and management of marine waters and bedlands, including the departments of natural resources, ecology, transportation, and fish and wildlife, and the state parks and recreation commission, the Puget Sound partnership, and the energy facility site evaluation council. The director must also consult and incorporate relevant information from the regional activities related to renewable energy siting in marine waters, including those under the west coast governors' agreement on ocean health.
     (2) The director ((may not commence development of)) must complete the guidance ((until federal, private, or other nonstate funding is secured for this activity. The director must adopt the guidance within one year of securing such funds)) by December 31, 2012.
     (3) This section is intended to promote consistency and multiple agency coordination in developing positions and exercising jurisdiction in matters involving the siting and operation of renewable energy facilities and does not diminish or abrogate the authority or jurisdiction of any state agency over such matters established under any other law.