H-1586.1                  _______________________________________________

                                                      HOUSE BILL 1953

                              _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              53rd Legislature                             1993 Regular Session

By Representatives Grant, Rayburn, Johanson and Long

Read first time 02/17/93.  Referred to Committee on Energy & Utilities.

Creating an energy siting process review committee.

          AN ACT Relating to energy siting review; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that meeting future energy demands within the state will require the siting of new generating facilities, renewable resources, transmission facilities, and natural gas pipelines.  The legislature further finds that current siting processes, designed to accommodate large thermal power plants, do not allow efficient development of current energy supply options.  The legislature further finds that a comprehensive review and revision of siting policy is needed to ensure timely development of adequate, environmentally sound energy resources at an affordable cost.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  There is created an energy siting process review committee.  The committee shall review the siting processes currently applicable to energy facilities, including:  (1) Major thermal power plants; (2) natural gas-fired combustion turbines; (3) cogeneration plants; (4) hydroelectric facilities; (5) other renewable resources, including wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass energy; (6) natural gas pipelines; and (7) electric transmission lines.  The committee shall recommend changes to statutes, rules, and policies that will reduce the cost of and time for siting new resources, while preserving environmental quality, allowing public review and comment, and ensuring an appropriate role for local government.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  The energy siting process review committee shall consist of twelve members, as follows:

          (1) Two members of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate;

          (2) Two members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and

          (3) Eight members appointed by the governor, representing the following interests:

          (a) One member representing local governments;

          (b) One member representing electric utilities;

          (c) One member representing natural gas utilities;

          (d) One member representing environmental organizations;

          (e) One member representing independent power producers; and

          (f) Three members representing citizens at large.

          The chairperson shall be selected by the governor from the citizen members of the committee.

          Members shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  The state energy office shall provide staff support to the energy siting process review committee.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  The energy siting process review committee shall report its findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the governor and appropriate standing committees of the legislature no later than December 1, 1993.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6.  This act shall expire June 30, 1994.

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