SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6475

                    As of January 28, 2000

Title:  An act relating to designating a lead agency for public proposals under the state environmental policy act.

Brief Description:  Changing procedures for designating lead agencies for public proposals under SEPA.

Sponsors:  Senators Heavey and Patterson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Environmental Quality & Water Resources:  1/28/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & WATER RESOURCES

Staff:  Genevieve Pisarski (786-7488)

Background:  The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) directs the Department of Ecology to adopt rules for implementation of the act by government entities.  In the case of public projects, these rules provide that the entity, or "agency," that proposes a project is also the "lead agency" for compliance with the requirements of the act.

Summary of Bill:  An agency that is the primary sponsor or proponent of a project must not be the lead agency.  The lead agency is determined by agreement among all agencies with jurisdiction or expertise.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.