SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6021
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, January 29, 2014
Title: An act relating to a qualified alternative energy resource.
Brief Description: Concerning a qualified alternative energy resource.
Sponsors: Senator Ericksen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Energy, Environment & Telecommunications: 1/21/14, 1/29/14 [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 and Litzow.
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: (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: The use of biomass to generate electricity and thermal energy reduces carbon emissions. Liquid fuels made from biomass can also be used to in the same manner. Advanced technology can now convert woody biomass into a liquid wood that can be used just like regular biomass without significant investments by the user.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Stan Gent, Seattle Steam Company.