HOUSE BILL REPORT

SJM 8015

BYSenators Benitz, Williams, Sutherland, Bluechel and Stratton

Asking for a comprehensive national energy policy.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments. (11)

      Signed by Representatives Nelson, Chair; Todd, Vice Chair; Hankins, Ranking Republican Member; Brooks, Cooper, Jacobsen, Jesernig, May,R. Meyers, H. Myers and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Harry Reinert (786-7110)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES MARCH 24, 1989

BACKGROUND:

A stable supply of energy is an important element of the United States' economy.  A major source of energy in this country is fossil fuel.  The most common forms of fossil fuel are petroleum, natural gas and coal.  A significant portion of the petroleum used in this country is imported.  The burning of fossil fuel contributes to the Greenhouse Effect, to acid rain, and to smog.

Energy efficiency and conservation are cost effective methods of obtaining energy resources.  Least cost planning by utilities has been developed in the Northwest as a means to ensure that the least expensive resources are acquired first.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The President and Congress are asked to develop a comprehensive national energy policy to promote and encourage least cost planning, the development of domestic clean energy supplies, and increased energy efficiency.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  Energy efficiency and least cost planning are recognized as important elements of a national energy policy.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Ed McGuire, Washington State Energy Office.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    A national energy policy will help further the progress that has been made in this state towards development of stable energy supplies, improved energy efficiency and the protection of the environment.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.