SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5364

BYSenators Metcalf, DeJarnatt, Bluechel, Kreidler, Owen, McMullen, Talmadge, Lee, Bailey and West

Addressing plastic debris in marine environment.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 19, 1989; January 25, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Barry Brandon (786-7717)

                  January 26, 1989

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989; March 2, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Bailey, Bauer, Cantu, Fleming, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Moore, Niemi, Owen, Saling, Smith, Talmadge, Warnke, Williams.

Senate Staff:Charles Langen (786-7715)

                  March 13, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 10, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In February, 1988 the Department of Natural Resources created the Marine Plastic Debris Task Force in order to develop a state action plan to address the growing pollution problem in the waters of Washington.  The Task Force was inspired by federal legislation which prevents the dumping of plastic into the nation's coastal waters and a recognition that these persistent materials ultimately pollute aquatic lands of the state.  The Task Force was comprised of representatives from federal, state and local governments and agencies as well as private business and citizen organizations.  The Task Force submitted the Marine Plastic Debris Action Plan to the state in October of 1988.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Natural Resources coordinates the implementation of the Marine Plastic Debris Action Plan of October 1988, and develops rules for cleanup and prevention of pollution in state waters.  The Department of Natural Resources may enter into intergovernmental agreements with federal, state or private parties, and to hire employees necessary to coordinate the plan.

The Department of Natural Resources may conduct open bidding with parties interested in acting as an information clearing house for marine plastic debris issues.

The Department of Natural Resources may accept, receive, disburse and administer grants, or funds, or gifts from any source to supplement the funds appropriated by the act.

The act will become null and void if not included in the biennial budget.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Effective Date:This bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES:  Bob Rose, Department of Natural Resources (pro); Cleve Pinnix, State Parks (pro); Nancy Pearson, Washington Citizens for Recycling (pro); Steve Arbaugh, Puget Sound Gillnetters Association

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  Bob Rose, Department of Natural Resources (pro); Cleve Pinnix, State Parks (pro)