SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2708
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 of February 19, 2014
Title: An act relating to a qualified alternative energy resource.
Brief Description: Concerning a qualified alternative energy resource.
Sponsors: Representatives Tarleton, Short, DeBolt, Fey, Freeman, Hudgins, Lytton, Smith, Morrell, Ortiz-Self, Springer, Pollet and Muri.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/14, 97-1.
Committee Activity: Energy, Environment & Telecommunications: 2/19/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS |
Staff: William Bridges (786-7416)
Background: Voluntary Green Power Program. All electric utilities in the state, other than small electric utilities, must offer their customers the option to purchase electricity generated from qualified alternative energy resources. A qualified alternative energy resource produces electricity from generation facilities fueled by the following: (1) wind; (2) solar energy; (3) geothermal energy; (4) landfill gas; (5) wave or tidal action; (6) gas produced during the treatment of wastewater; (7) qualified hydropower; or (8) biomass energy based on animal waste or solid organic fuels from wood, forest, or field residues or dedicated energy crops that do not include wood pieces which were treated with chemical preservatives.
Annual Reports. Electric utilities must maintain information relating to their voluntary green power programs and make available the information to the Department of Commerce or the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, which in turn must report the information to the appropriate committees of the Legislature upon request.
Summary of Bill: Adding Certain Liquid Organic Fuels as a Qualified Alternative Energy Resource Under the Voluntary Green Power Program. For the purposes of the voluntary green power program, a qualified alternative energy resource includes biomass energy based on liquid organic fuels from wood, forest, or field residues or dedicated energy crops that do not include wood pieces which were treated with chemical preservatives.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: This bill is recommended by Seattle Steam, an innovative company that is experimenting with a new form of liquid renewable energy derived from wood pulp. The fuel is currently made outside the state but if Seattle Steam's pilot program is successful, the fuel could be made in Washington in the future.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Tarleton, prime sponsor.