SENATE BILL REPORT

ESCR 8406

BYSenators Owen, DeJarnatt, Lee, Bottiger, Kreidler, Rinehart, Bluechel, Moore and Conner

Creating joint committee on marine and ocean resources.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 9, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; DeJarnatt, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, McDonald, Metcalf, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  April 17, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 18, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The United States Department of the Interior is preparing to start a leasing process for oil and gas exploration off of the coast of Oregon and Washington.  A legislative and executive response to the leasing process is necessary to provide the state's input into the leasing process.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature recognizes: (1) the unique marine environment and states that Washington has an active interest in marine resources and ocean policy; (2) the marine sector plays a vital role in Washington's economy; (3) the federal role with respect to ocean and marine development policy has grown significantly but funding directed to state and local governments has been curtailed; (4) that responsibility is disbursed among numerous state agencies, a coordinated effort is necessary to provide an adequate response to the federal government.

A Joint Select Committee on Marine and Ocean Resources is established to review existing state and federal law, survey information, develop a timeline of pending decisions, and make recommendations to the Legislature.  The Select Committee shall regularly report to the Legislature and its committees on the planned federal 1989-91 off-shore oil and gas leasing policies.

The select committee: (1) shall consist of eight members, two members from the majority party and two members from the minority party of the Senate selected by the President of the Senate, and two members from the majority party and two members from the minority party of the House of Representatives, selected by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; (2) is encouraged to establish an advisory group to include representatives of state agencies, local government, institutions of higher education, and the Indian tribes; (3) may receive gifts, grants and endowments from public and private sources and shall be expended, if approved by the Senate Facilities and Operations and House Executive Rules Committees; (4) is encouraged to coordinate its information gathering with appropriate standing committees of the Washington State Senate and the House of Representatives, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, the Western State Legislative Conference, and other quasi-governmental entities that are concerned with marine resources.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Appointments by Legislature Required:     Two members from the majority party and two members from the minority party of the Senate, selected by the President of the Senate; two members of the majority party and two members from the minority party of the House of Representatives, selected by the Speaker of the House.

Senate Committee - Testified: Marc Hershman, University of Washington Institute for Marine Resources; Russ Cahill, University of Washington College of Oceans and Fisheries; Chris Platt, Sierra Club; David Flaherty; Rod Mack, Department of Ecology

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The amendment strikes the entire resolution and substitutes a resolution on coastal fisheries management.  The amendment authorizes the appointment of two Senators to be appointed by the President of the Senate and two Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House to represent Washington on the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force.  The task force will operate as a clearinghouse for opinions from all interests and shall report to the state legislatures and congressional delegations.  Members can attend no more than four meetings annually.  The resolution is to be sent to the presiding officers of the legislatures of Alaska, California, Idaho, and Oregon.