SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5820

BYSenators Kreidler, Bluechel, Kiskaddon and Bottiger

Requiring the development of policies on offshore resources.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 4, 1987

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

AS OF FEBRUARY 27, 1987

BACKGROUND:

There is increasing interest in a utilization of offshore resources, including fishing resources, resources of the ocean, and the oil and gas resources of the continental shelf.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature finds that there is an ever increasing activity directed toward resources of the continental shelf.  The Legislature declares that the state has a vital interest in the protection, conservation and development of these resources because of their environmental quality and the impact on the economy of the state, including the public's recreational opportunities and aesthetic enjoyment.  There is a need to research these offshore areas to obtain better information for the proper utilization and management of ocean resources, and to see that exploration, research, management, and development proceeds in an orderly manner.  It is imperative that the state develop sound policies to protect the resources.

The Department of Ecology shall prepare and adopt statewide policies for managing the offshore environment with affected interests.  The policy shall include those submerged lands on the continental shelf and the waters overlying it.  In the adoption of policies the Department will give clear priority to the proper management and protection of renewable ocean resources and the Department shall incorporate the policies into the Washington Coastal Zone Management Program as prepared and adopted under the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.

The Department shall direct, coordinate and support an effort to develop coastal and outer continental shelf policy guidelines for Pacific, Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Clallam Counties.  The guidelines shall be adopted by the Department and shall be incorporated into the county, and where appropriate, city master programs.  The guidelines shall recognize and be in accordance with existing statewide policy.  The guidelines shall primarily address impacts to coastal areas and resources under the state's jurisdiction, and will include the following elements; oil and natural gas development and transportation, fishery resources, ocean discharges, onshore and offshore facility siting, archeological site preservation, habitat protection, recreation, emergency response and port development.

Fiscal Note:      requested