SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 2636
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:
Energy, Environment & Telecommunications, February 25, 2014
Title: An act relating to streamlining statutorily required environmental reports by government entities.
Brief Description: Streamlining statutorily required environmental reports by government entities.
Sponsors: Representatives Smith, Tarleton and Morrell; by request of Department of Ecology.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/18/14, 94-4.
Committee Activity: Energy, Environment & Telecommunications: 2/25/14 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Ericksen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; McCoy, Ranking Member; Billig, Brown, Chase, Honeyford and Ranker.
Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)
Background: The Department of Ecology (Ecology) prepares and submits various reports to the Legislature or Governor, as statutorily required. Ecology is directed to provide biennial or status reports and information under the following statutes: Aquatic Algae Control Account; Waste Reduction, Recycling & Model Litter Control Act; Clean Air Act; Biosolids program; Water Resources; Water Pollution Control Act; and Tire Recycling. Under certain statutes, Ecology was required to provide one-time status reports by a specific date. Some of these references are outdated.
Summary of Bill: Certain Ecology reporting requirements are revised or eliminated. The requirement for Ecology to provide a report to the Legislature is deleted for the following:
Aquatic Algae Control biennial report;
Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Emissions Disclosure Labeling Program status report due December 1, 2008;
watershed planning activities and reclaimed water reports regarding statutory changes for approval or permit decision making;
Motor Vehicle Emissions Standards annual progress report on the availability of cars that meet state-adopted California motor vehicle emission standards;
water rights processing reports required from Ecology and OFM from 2001 to 2004; and
local government funding agreements for waste reduction, litter, and recycling programs, and state agency waste reduction, litter, and recycling programs;
The requirement for Ecology to provide reports is deleted and Ecology is required to post the information on its website for the following:
biennial summary of litter statewide litter report on statewide waste reduction, litter control, and recycling efforts;
Air Operating Permit program annual report from Ecology and local clean air agencies;
Waste Tire Progress and Fund Status report is replaced with providing a summary of state and efforts funded by the Waste Tire Removal Account, a list of authorized tire storage sites and transporters, and tire recycling and reuse rates within the state. The report on the increase or reduction of tire recycling or reuse rates is eliminated;
Water Banking Report summarizing comments from affected stakeholders, and a biennial report on water banking activities and evaluation of the water banking statutes are replaced with maintaining information regarding water banking and related programs in various areas of the state;
Whitman County Pilot Project, which exempts domestic water use for certain clustered residential development from groundwater permitting, information;
Water Conservation Water Conservancy Board biennial reports; and
Biosolids Biennial Progress Report on use of funds from the Biosolids Permit Account is deleted and replaced with making the fund information available.
Other revisions include the following:
biennial litter survey is replaced a with a periodic survey; and
Stormwater Technical Resource Center biennial report is eliminated, and Ecology with stormwater center partners are directed to inform legislative committees of program progress.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We worked with Ecology to identify reports that are no longer relevant. We also worked with stakeholders to ensure needed information is readily available online.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Smith, prime sponsor.