SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 6172

BYSenators Sellar, Sutherland, McCaslin and Barr

Revising provisions for environmental coordination procedures.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 15, 1990; January 16, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; Patrick, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410); Eugene Green (786-7405)

                  March 1, 1990

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Environmental Procedures Coordination Act was adopted in 1973 as one of the early "one-stop" procedures to streamline the environmental permit process.  It was designed so that applicants for state and local permits could submit one master application to the Department of Ecology (DOE). 

The department must circulate the application to all potential permit granting agencies.  If any agency fails to express an interest in requiring a permit within a specified period, it is barred from requiring one at a later date.

Few efforts have been made to use the coordination process.  A number of economic development officials have reported that lack of coordination is one of the major obstacles to carrying out their programs.

SUMMARY:

After the department furnishes the list of required permits, an applicant may choose to pursue the coordinated process for all or part of permit requirements, or may choose to deal with all of the permit granting agencies independently.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Gene Woodwick, Grays Harbor Economic Development Council (pro); Mike Palko, Department of Ecology (con); Elizabeth Tabbutt, Washington Environmental Council (con); Dave Rogers, Washington Public Ports Assn. (pro)

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

A grammatical change was made concerning information about permits and applications.