SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5814
BYSenators Metcalf and Rasmussen
Establishing the office of environmental trends and statistics.
Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1989
Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)
AS OF FEBRUARY 21, 1989
BACKGROUND:
In July of 1988 the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee held a day-long symposium entitled "Washington's Environmental Future," in which speakers from diverse backgrounds of expertise and experience addressed the state's most significant environmental quality issues. Many speakers, as well as the symposium participants in small-group discussions on specific issues, identified the lack of comprehensive environmental quality data upon which to base important policy and administrative decisions. State laws and local ordinances frequently require a thorough identification of potential environmental impacts before a governmental decision to permit, fund or take other action is made, yet there does not exist a comprehensive environmental data base to which state and local agencies have access in making such decisions. Symposium speakers also noted that existing data management is inadequate to assess the extent and causes of the cumulative environmental impacts occurring over time.
The statutes creating the Washington Department of Ecology provide that the department is to carry out a coordinated program of pollution control which integrates programs relating to air and water quality, as well as solid waste and other programs. The department is also directed to institute a comprehensive program of systematic baseline studies for the waters of the state. There are no comparable requirements for other environmental media (land or air) or guidance regarding the integration of such studies with other environmental data and statistics.
SUMMARY:
The Legislature makes findings regarding the need for comprehensive environmental quality information upon which to make decisions regarding environmental programs. Legislative intent is expressed that an office of environmental trends and statistics be created to perform its functions objectively and accurately.
The Office of Environmental Trends and Statistics is created in the Department of Ecology. By June 30, 1995 the office is to create a single, statewide geographically based system for the maintenance of environmental quality data, statistics and trends. The office shall enter data to the system which is collected by the Department of Ecology, other state agencies, and by local and federal agencies as well as private entities pursuant to governmental requirements.
An Interagency Committee on Environmental Statistics consisting of the directors of seven state agencies and representatives of city and county governments is created. The committee is to review the progress of the office in creating the data system, to review the statistics maintained by the office, advise on integrating the system with other agency data systems, and assist in preparing the environmental quality annual report under the act.
All state agencies administering environmental quality or natural resource programs are directed to cooperate with the office in establishing the data system. By June 30, 1993 all local governments are to have access to the data system. The committee is to report biennially to the Legislature on the progress of implementing the data system and access to the system.
By June 30, 1990 the office is to establish baseline data for specified environmental quality parameters as well as other parameters determined by the Ecology director. The director is to provide annually a report to the Legislature describing environmental quality trends in the state during the previous fiscal year. It is to be readily understandable by lay persons and to be reviewed by the interagency committee prior to submission to the Legislature.
By October 1, 1990, the director is to report to the Legislature on the effectiveness of existing environmental regulatory programs in risk reduction, and make recommendations regarding improvements in existing strategies, including alternatives which may achieve greater risk reduction per unit of public investment.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: requested February 17, 1989