H-4435              _______________________________________________

                                    HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4434

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1988 Regular Session

By Representatives Nelson, Barnes, Todd and Jacobsen

Read first time 1/27/88 and referred to Committee on Energy & Utilities.

WHEREAS, Congress enacted the Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1986, which, among other considerations, directed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to take into consideration in processing hydroelectric plant applications the comprehensive hydroelectric development plans of applicable states; and

          WHEREAS, In response, the State of Washington undertook a study, now completed, to indicate the requirements of and actions needed to prepare a state comprehensive hydroelectric development plan; and

          WHEREAS, The study reaffirmed the need for a state plan, established goals which should shape the direction of the plan, and recommended the following preliminary and preparatory actions:

          (1)  State agencies with hydropower permit or planning responsibilities should formalize communications regarding proposed hydropower projects;

          (2)  State agencies should jointly develop a system for early consolidated intervention into FERC proceedings;

          (3)  State agencies should prepare and disseminate clear and concise information regarding their hydropower permit procedures;

          (4)  The state should develop a base of up-to-date natural resource and hydropower information that can be used for planning and management purposes;

          (5)  State agencies should maintain and disseminate information regarding the status of hydropower projects and hydroelectric energy production; and

          WHEREAS,  The Northwest Power Planning Council (NPPC) is developing a protected areas concept that will result in identifying river stretches wherein hydroelectric development should not take place and which will facilitate identification of preferred development sites; and

          WHEREAS, The state is aware of NPPC action, but recognizes that state interests go beyond the stated NPPC concerns of power, fish and wildlife; and

          WHEREAS, Work on the study led to improved interagency and public relationships and a broader realization of the full dimension of hydroelectric issues; and

          WHEREAS, Work on the completed study represents an excellent foundation upon which to build a state plan, and maintaining full benefit from this work requires continuity and sustained momentum;

          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, the Senate concurring, That the need for a state comprehensive hydroelectric development plan is affirmed and that the plan be coordinated with NPPC Protected Area determinations and conform to FERC state plan requirements; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the legislature affirms that there are relevant interests beyond the stated NPPC interests of power, fish, and wildlife, such as minimum stream flows, aesthetic values, recreational interests, domestic water supply, and flood control; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That while acknowledging budgetary difficulties during the current biennium, work on the plan should proceed on a limited basis, including the aforementioned preliminary steps and other steps as are appropriate and practicable at this time; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the governor is urged to perform detailed planning and budget requirements determination as necessary to complete preparation of a state comprehensive plan during the next biennium.