SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6573

BYSenate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Benitz, Williams, Patrick and Stratton)

Revising the administration of the energy facility site evaluation council.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 23, 1990; January 26, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6573 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:David Monthie (786-7198)

                February 13, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) was created in 1970 as the principal state agency responsible for reviewing and approving applications for the siting of major new energy plants and transmission lines within the state.  The agency was directed to assure that the state was provided with adequate energy sources with proper safeguards for the environment and the welfare of the people.  Since its creation, EFSEC has played a major role in decisions on location and operation of nuclear plants constructed by the Washington Public Power Supply System, a proposed coal-fired plant in Creston, and two proposed cross-state transmission lines.  In recent years there has not been any such major construction proposed, and the agency's focus has been on monitoring existing sites and testing emergency response capabilities.

SUMMARY:

The Washington State Energy Office (WSEO) is to provide all administrative and staff support to EFSEC.  The property, personnel of, and appropriations to, EFSEC pertaining to its administration and support are transferred to WSEO.  Authorization for a salary for the Chairman of EFSEC is eliminated.  Members of EFSEC are authorized to receive travel and lodging, per diem expenses, and compensation for each meeting attended.  The powers of EFSEC are expanded to include serving as an interagency coordinating body for energy-related issues.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    available

Effective Date:July 1, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified:   Dick Watson, WSEO