FINAL BILL REPORT

                           SSB 5802

                           C 23 L 93

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Regarding state environmental policy act documents.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Barr and Drew)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

BACKGROUND:

The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requires the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) for governmental agency actions or approvals of actions that may have a significant adverse impact on the environment.  The Department of Ecology is directed by SEPA to adopt rules providing guidance for the preparation of such statements and other SEPA compliance documents. 

The rules adopted by the department authorize the use of existing SEPA documents prepared for nonproject proposals or other actions that may assist in the analysis of the probable impacts of another project or proposal.  The rules specify the circumstances in which such adoption or incorporation by reference may occur, and include other procedures such as the preparation of a supplemental EIS or an addendum.

SUMMARY:

Lead agencies are authorized to use existing documents in SEPA analysis if the documents adequately address the environmental considerations provided in SEPA.  The prior proposal and the new proposal must have similar elements that provide a basis for comparing environmental consequences, and the lead agency must determine that the information and analysis to be used is relevant and adequate.  The lead agency may require additional documentation to ensure adequate analysis.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    48   0

House     96   0

EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993