SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6034

BYSenators Benitz, Williams and Hayner

Requiring the energy office to provide the energy facility site evaluation council with assistance, space, and support.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Bluechel, Vice Chairman; Nelson, Owen, Stratton, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Paul Ahern (786-7449)

                  March 16, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 15, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) was established in 1970 to protect the environment while recognizing that the growth of energy demands in Washington State may require the construction and operation of thermal plants.

There has been no new plant siting in the past several years, although Washington Water Power's Creston coal plant has recently been granted a five-year extension.  The council emphasis has shifted in the past several years to monitoring existing energy facility sites, and assisting in the development and testing of emergency response activities.

SUMMARY:

The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) is housed in the Washington Energy Office.  The chairman may appoint an executive secretary when considering an application for certification.  EFSEC staff is provided as necessary by the Energy Office.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 24, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: No one