AN
ACT Relating to the management of state energy supply and demand; amending RCW
80.50.010, 80.50.060, 80.50.020, 80.50.030, 80.50.040, 80.50.090, 39.35.010,
39.35.030, 39.35.050, 39.35A.020, 39.35C.010, 39.35C.020, 43.19.668, 43.19.669,
43.19.670, 43.19.675, 43.19.680, 19.29A.040, 44.39.010, and 44.39.015; adding
new sections to chapter 80.50 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.04 RCW;
adding a new section to chapter 82.12 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 82.16
RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.32 RCW; adding a new section to chapter
39.35A RCW; adding a new section to chapter 39.35C RCW; adding a new section to
chapter 19.29A RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.34 RCW; creating a new
section; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Sec.
1. RCW
80.50.010 and 1996 c 4 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
The
legislature finds that the present and predicted growth in energy demands in
the state of Washington requires the development of a procedure for the
selection and utilization of sites for energy facilities and the identification
of a state position with respect to each proposed site. The legislature
recognizes that the selection of sites will have a significant impact upon the
welfare of the population, the location and growth of industry and the use of
the natural resources of the state.
It
is the policy of the state of Washington to recognize the pressing need for
increased energy facilities, and to ensure through available and reasonable
methods, that the location and operation of such facilities will produce
minimal adverse effects on the environment, ecology of the land and its
wildlife, and the ecology of state waters and their aquatic life.
It
is the intent to seek courses of action that will balance the increasing
demands for energy facility location and operation in conjunction with the
broad interests of the public. Such action will be based on these premises:
(1)
To assure Washington state citizens that, where applicable, operational
safeguards are at least as stringent as the criteria established by the federal
government and are technically sufficient for their welfare and protection.
(2)
To preserve and protect the quality of the environment; to enhance the public's
opportunity to enjoy the esthetic and recreational benefits of the air, water
and land resources; to promote air cleanliness; and to pursue beneficial
changes in the environment.
(3)
To provide abundant energy at reasonable cost.
(4)
To avoid costs of complete site restoration and demolition of improvements and
infrastructure at unfinished nuclear energy sites, and to use unfinished
nuclear energy facilities for public uses, including economic development,
under the regulatory and management control of local governments and port
districts.
(5)
To avoid costly duplication in the siting process and ensure that decisions are
made timely and without unnecessary delay.
Sec.
2. RCW
80.50.060 and 1977 ex.s. c 371 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
(1)
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the construction of energy
facilities which includes the new construction of energy facilities and the
reconstruction or enlargement of existing energy facilities where the net
increase in physical capacity or dimensions resulting from such reconstruction
or enlargement meets or exceeds those capacities or dimensions set forth in RCW
80.50.020 (7) and (((17), as now or hereafter amended)) (14). No
construction of such energy facilities may be undertaken, except as otherwise
provided in this chapter, after July 15, 1977, without first obtaining
certification in the manner provided in this chapter.
(2)
The provisions of this chapter apply to the construction, reconstruction, or
enlargement of a new or existing energy facility that exclusively uses
alternative energy resources and chooses to receive certification under this
chapter, regardless of the generating capacity of the project.
(3)
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to normal maintenance and
repairs which do not increase the capacity or dimensions beyond those set forth
in RCW 80.50.020 (7) and (((17), as now or hereafter amended)) (14).
(((3)))
(4) Applications for certification of energy facilities made prior to
July 15, 1977 shall continue to be governed by the applicable provisions of law
in effect on the day immediately preceding July 15, 1977 with the exceptions of
RCW 80.50.190 and 80.50.071 which shall apply to such prior applications and to
site certifications prospectively from July 15, 1977.
(((4)))
(5) Applications for certification shall be upon forms prescribed by the
council and shall be supported by such information and technical studies as the
council may require.
Sec.
3. RCW
80.50.020 and 1995 c 69 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
The
definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context
clearly requires otherwise.
(1)
"Applicant" means any person who makes application for a site
certification pursuant to the provisions of this chapter((;)).
(2)
"Application" means any request for approval of a particular site or
sites filed in accordance with the procedures established pursuant to this
chapter, unless the context otherwise requires((;)).
(3)
"Person" means an individual, partnership, joint venture, private or
public corporation, association, firm, public service company, political
subdivision, municipal corporation, government agency, public utility district,
or any other entity, public or private, however organized((;)).
(4)
"Site" means any proposed or approved location of an energy
facility((;)).
(5)
"Certification" means a binding agreement between an applicant and
the state which shall embody compliance to the siting guidelines, in effect as
of the date of certification, which have been adopted pursuant to RCW 80.50.040
as now or hereafter amended as conditions to be met prior to or concurrent with
the construction or operation of any energy facility((;)).
(6)
"Associated facilities" means storage, transmission, handling, or
other related and supporting facilities connecting an energy plant with the
existing energy supply, processing, or distribution system, including, but not
limited to, communications, controls, mobilizing or maintenance equipment,
instrumentation, and other types of ancillary transmission equipment, off-line
storage or venting required for efficient operation or safety of the
transmission system and overhead, and surface or subsurface lines of physical
access for the inspection, maintenance, and safe operations of the transmission
facility and new transmission lines constructed to operate at nominal voltages
in excess of 200,000 volts to connect a thermal power plant to the northwest
power grid: PROVIDED, That common carrier railroads or motor vehicles shall
not be included((;)).
(7)
"Transmission facility" means any of the following together with
their associated facilities:
(a)
Crude or refined petroleum or liquid petroleum product transmission pipeline of
the following dimensions: A pipeline larger than six inches minimum inside
diameter between valves for the transmission of these products with a total
length of at least fifteen miles;
(b)
Natural gas, synthetic fuel gas, or liquified petroleum gas transmission
pipeline of the following dimensions: A pipeline larger than fourteen inches
minimum inside diameter between valves, for the transmission of these products,
with a total length of at least fifteen miles for the purpose of delivering gas
to a distribution facility, except an interstate natural gas pipeline regulated
by the United States federal power commission((;)).
(8)
"Independent consultants" means those persons who have no financial
interest in the applicant's proposals and who are retained by the council to
evaluate the applicant's proposals, supporting studies, or to conduct
additional studies((;)).
(9)
"Thermal power plant" means, for the purpose of certification, any
electrical generating facility using any fuel, including nuclear materials, for
distribution of electricity by electric utilities((;)).
(10)
"Energy facility" means an energy plant or transmission facilities:
PROVIDED, That the following are excluded from the provisions of this chapter:
(a)
Facilities for the extraction, conversion, transmission or storage of water,
other than water specifically consumed or discharged by energy production or
conversion for energy purposes; and
(b)
Facilities operated by and for the armed services for military purposes or by
other federal authority for the national defense((;)).
(11)
"Council" means the energy facility site evaluation council created
by RCW 80.50.030((;)).
(12)
"Counsel for the environment" means an assistant attorney general or
a special assistant attorney general who shall represent the public in
accordance with RCW 80.50.080((;)).
(13)
"Construction" means on-site improvements, excluding exploratory
work, which cost in excess of two hundred fifty thousand dollars((;)).
(14)
"Energy plant" means the following facilities together with their
associated facilities:
(a)
Any stationary thermal power plant with generating capacity of ((two)) three
hundred fifty thousand kilowatts or more, measured using maximum continuous
electric generating capacity, less minimum auxiliary load, at average ambient
temperature and pressure, and floating thermal power plants of ((fifty))
one hundred thousand kilowatts or more, including associated facilities.
For the purposes of this subsection, "floating thermal power plants"
means a thermal power plant that is suspended on the surface of water by means
of a barge, vessel, or other floating platform;
(b)
Facilities which will have the capacity to receive liquified natural gas in the
equivalent of more than one hundred million standard cubic feet of natural gas
per day, which has been transported over marine waters;
(c)
Facilities which will have the capacity to receive more than an average of
fifty thousand barrels per day of crude or refined petroleum or liquified
petroleum gas which has been or will be transported over marine waters, except
that the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to storage facilities
unless occasioned by such new facility construction;
(d)
Any underground reservoir for receipt and storage of natural gas as defined in
RCW 80.40.010 capable of delivering an average of more than one hundred million
standard cubic feet of natural gas per day; and
(e)
Facilities capable of processing more than twenty-five thousand barrels per day
of petroleum into refined products((;)).
(15)
"Land use plan" means a comprehensive plan or land use element
thereof adopted by a unit of local government pursuant to chapters 35.63,
35A.63, or 36.70 RCW((;)).
(16)
"Zoning ordinance" means an ordinance of a unit of local government
regulating the use of land and adopted pursuant to chapters 35.63, 35A.63, or
36.70 RCW or Article XI of the state Constitution.
(17)
"Alternative energy resource" means: (a) Wind; (b) solar energy; (c)
geothermal energy; (d) landfill gas; (e) wave or tidal action; or (f) biomass
energy based on solid organic fuels from wood, forest, or field residues, or
dedicated energy crops that do not include wood pieces that have been treated
with chemical preservatives such as creosote, pentachlorophenol, or
copper-chrome-arsenic.
Sec.
4. RCW
80.50.030 and 1996 c 186 s 108 are each amended to read as follows:
(1)
There is created and established the energy facility site evaluation council.
(2)(a)
The ((chairman)) chair of the council shall be appointed by the
governor with the advice and consent of the senate, shall have a vote on
matters before the council, shall serve for a term coextensive with the term of
the governor, and is removable for cause. The ((chairman)) chair
may designate a member of the council to serve as acting ((chairman)) chair
in the event of the ((chairman's)) chair's absence. The
salary of the chair shall be determined under RCW 43.03.040. The ((chairman))
chair is a "state employee" for the purposes of chapter 42.52
RCW. As applicable, when attending meetings of the council, members may
receive reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and
43.03.060, and are eligible for compensation under RCW 43.03.250.
(b)
The ((chairman)) chair or a designee shall execute all official
documents, contracts, and other materials on behalf of the council. The
Washington state department of community, trade, and economic development shall
provide all administrative and staff support for the council. The director of
the department of community, trade, and economic development has supervisory
authority over the staff of the council and shall employ such personnel as are
necessary to implement this chapter. Not more than three such employees may be
exempt from chapter 41.06 RCW.
(3)(a)
The council shall consist of the directors, administrators, or their designees,
of the following departments, agencies, commissions, and committees or their
statutory successors:
(((a)))
(i) Department of ecology;
(((b)))
(ii) Department of fish and wildlife;
(((c)
Department of health;
(d)
Military department;
(e))) (iii)
Department of community, trade, and economic development;
(((f)))
(iv) Utilities and transportation commission; and
(((g)))
(v) Department of natural resources((;
(h)
Department of agriculture;
(i)
Department of transportation)).
(b)
The directors, administrators, or their designees, of the following
departments, agencies, and commissions, or their statutory successors, may
participate as councilmembers at their own discretion provided they elect to
participate no later than sixty days after an application is filed:
(i)
Department of agriculture;
(ii)
Department of health;
(iii)
Military department; and
(iv)
Department of transportation.
(c)
Council membership is discretionary for agencies that choose to participate
under (b) of this subsection only for applications that are filed with the
council on or after the effective date of this section. For applications filed
before the effective date of this section, council membership is mandatory for
those agencies listed in (b) of this subsection.
(4)
The appropriate county legislative authority of every county wherein an
application for a proposed site is filed shall appoint a member or designee as
a voting member to the council. The member or designee so appointed shall sit
with the council only at such times as the council considers the proposed site
for the county which he or she represents, and such member or designee shall
serve until there has been a final acceptance or rejection of the proposed
site.
(5)
The city legislative authority of every city within whose corporate limits an
energy plant is proposed to be located shall appoint a member or designee as a
voting member to the council. The member or designee so appointed shall sit
with the council only at such times as the council considers the proposed site
for the city which he or she represents, and such member or designee shall
serve until there has been a final acceptance or rejection of the proposed
site.
(6)
For any port district wherein an application for a proposed port facility is
filed subject to this chapter, the port district shall appoint a member or
designee as a nonvoting member to the council. The member or designee so
appointed shall sit with the council only at such times as the council
considers the proposed site for the port district which he or she represents,
and such member or designee shall serve until there has been a final acceptance
or rejection of the proposed site. The provisions of this subsection shall not
apply if the port district is the applicant, either singly or in partnership or
association with any other person.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 5. A
new section is added to chapter 80.50 RCW to read as follows:
(1)
After the council has received a site application, council staff shall assist
applicants in identifying issues presented by the application.
(2)
Council staff shall review all information submitted and recommend resolutions
to issues in dispute that would allow site approval.
(3)
Council staff may make recommendations to the council on conditions that would
allow site approval.
Sec.
6. RCW
80.50.040 and 1990 c 12 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
The
council shall have the following powers:
(1)
To adopt, promulgate, amend, or rescind suitable rules and regulations,
pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW, to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and
the policies and practices of the council in connection therewith;
(2)
To develop and apply environmental and ecological guidelines in relation to the
type, design, location, construction, and operational conditions of
certification of energy facilities subject to this chapter;
(3)
To establish rules of practice for the conduct of public hearings pursuant to
the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, as found in chapter 34.05
RCW;
(4)
To prescribe the form, content, and necessary supporting documentation for site
certification;
(5)
To receive applications for energy facility locations and to investigate the
sufficiency thereof;
(6)
To make and contract, when applicable, for independent studies of sites
proposed by the applicant;
(7)
To conduct hearings on the proposed location of the energy facilities;
(8)
To prepare written reports to the governor which shall include: (a) A
statement indicating whether the application is in compliance with the
council's guidelines, (b) criteria specific to the site and transmission line
routing, (c) a council recommendation as to the disposition of the application,
and (d) a draft certification agreement when the council recommends approval of
the application;
(9)
To prescribe the means for monitoring of the effects arising from the
construction and the operation of energy facilities to assure continued
compliance with terms of certification and/or permits issued by the council
pursuant to chapter 90.48 RCW or subsection (12) of this section: PROVIDED,
That any on-site inspection required by the council shall be performed by other
state agencies pursuant to interagency agreement: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the
council ((shall)) may retain authority for determining compliance
relative to monitoring;
(10)
To integrate its site evaluation activity with activities of federal agencies
having jurisdiction in such matters to avoid unnecessary duplication;
(11)
To present state concerns and interests to other states, regional
organizations, and the federal government on the location, construction, and
operation of any energy facility which may affect the environment, health, or
safety of the citizens of the state of Washington;
(12)
To issue permits in compliance with applicable provisions of the federally
approved state implementation plan adopted in accordance with the Federal Clean
Air Act, as now existing or hereafter amended, for the new construction,
reconstruction, or enlargement or operation of energy facilities: PROVIDED,
That such permits shall become effective only if the governor approves an
application for certification and executes a certification agreement pursuant
to this chapter: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That all such permits be conditioned
upon compliance with all provisions of the federally approved state
implementation plan which apply to energy facilities covered within the
provisions of this chapter; and
(13)
To serve as an interagency coordinating body for energy-related issues.
Sec.
7. RCW
80.50.090 and 1989 c 175 s 173 are each amended to read as follows:
(1)
The council shall conduct ((a)) an informational public hearing
in the county of the proposed site ((within sixty days of)) as soon
as practicable but not later than sixty days after receipt of an
application for site certification: PROVIDED, That the place of such public
hearing shall be as close as practical to the proposed site.
(2)
Subsequent to the informational public hearing, the council ((must))
shall conduct a public hearing to determine ((at the initial public
hearing)) whether or not the proposed site is consistent and in compliance
with county or regional land use plans or zoning ordinances. If it is
determined that the proposed site does conform with existing land use plans or
zoning ordinances in effect as of the date of the application, the county or
regional planning authority shall not thereafter change such land use plans or
zoning ordinances so as to affect the proposed site.
(3)
Prior to the issuance of a council recommendation to the governor under RCW
80.50.100 a public hearing, conducted as an adjudicative proceeding under
chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act, shall be held. At such
public hearing any person shall be entitled to be heard in support of or in
opposition to the application for certification.
(4)
Additional public hearings shall be held as deemed appropriate by the council
in the exercise of its functions under this chapter.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 8. A
new section is added to chapter 80.50 RCW to read as follows:
The
governor shall undertake an evaluation of the operations of the council to
assess means to enhance its efficiency. The assessment must include whether
the efficiency of the siting process would be improved by conducting the
process under the state environmental policy act in a particular sequence
relative to the adjudicative proceeding. The results of this assessment may
include recommendations for administrative changes, statutory changes, or
expanded staffing levels.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 9. A
new section is added to chapter 82.04 RCW to read as follows:
(1)
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this
subsection apply throughout this section.
(a)
"Direct service industrial customer" means a person who is an
industrial customer that contracts for the purchase of power from the
Bonneville Power Administration for direct consumption as of the effective date
of this section. "Direct service industrial customer" includes a
person who is a subsidiary that is more than fifty percent owned by a direct
service industrial customer and who receives power from the Bonneville Power
Administration pursuant to the parent's contract for power.
(b)
"Facility" means a gas turbine electrical generation facility that
does not exist on the effective date of this section and is owned by a direct
service industrial customer for the purpose of producing electricity to be
consumed by the direct service industrial customer.
(c)
"Average annual employment" means the total employment in this state
for a calendar year at the direct service industrial customer's location where
electricity from the facility will be consumed.
(2)
Effective July 1, 2001, a credit is allowed against the tax due under this
chapter to a direct service industrial customer who purchases natural or
manufactured gas from a gas distribution business subject to the public utility
tax under chapter 82.16 RCW. The credit is equal to the value of natural or
manufactured gas purchased from a gas distribution business and used to
generate electricity at the facility multiplied by the rate in effect for the
public utility tax on gas distribution businesses under RCW 82.16.020. This
credit may be used each reporting period for sixty months following the first
month natural or manufactured gas was purchased from a gas distribution
business by a direct service industrial customer who constructs a facility.
(3)
Application for credit shall be made by the direct service industrial consumer
before the first purchase of natural or manufactured gas. The application
shall be in a form and manner prescribed by the department and shall include
but is not limited to information regarding the location of the facility, the
projected date of first purchase of natural or manufactured gas to generate
electricity at the facility, the date construction is projected to begin or did
begin, the applicant's average annual employment in the state for the six
calendar years immediately preceding the year in which the application is made,
and affirm the applicant's status as a direct service industrial customer. The
department shall rule on the application within thirty days of receipt.
(4)
Credit under this section is limited to the amount of tax imposed under this
chapter. Refunds shall not be given in place of credits and credits may not be
carried over to subsequent calendar years.
(5)
All or part of the credit shall be disallowed and must be paid if the average
of the direct service industrial customer's average annual employment for the
five calendar years subsequent to the calendar year containing the first month
of purchase of natural or manufactured gas to generate electricity at a
facility is less than the six-year average annual employment stated on the
application for credit under this section. The direct service industrial
customer will certify to the department by June 1st of the sixth calendar year
following the calendar year in which the month of first purchase of gas occurs
the average annual employment for each of the five prior calendar years. All
or part of the credit that shall be disallowed and must be paid is commensurate
with the decrease in the five-year average of average annual employment as
follows:
Decrease in Average Annual
Employment Over
Five-Year Period %
of Credit to be Paid
Less
than 10% 10%
10%
or more but less than 25% 25%
25%
or more but less than 50% 50%
50%
or more but less than 75% 75%
75%
or more 100%
(6)(a)
The direct service industrial customer shall begin paying the credit that is
disallowed and is to be paid in the sixth calendar year following the calendar
year in which the month following the month of first purchase of natural or
manufactured gas to generate electricity at the facility occurs. The first
payment will be due on or before December 31st with subsequent annual payments
due on or before December 31st of the following four years according to the
following schedule:
Payment Year % of Credit to be Paid
1 10%
2 15%
3 20%
4 25%
5 30%
(b)
The department may authorize an accelerated payment schedule upon request of
the taxpayer.
(c)
Interest shall not be charged on the credit that is disallowed for the
sixty-month period the credit may be taken, although all other penalties and
interest applicable to delinquent excise taxes may be assessed and imposed.
The debt for credit that is disallowed and must be paid will not be
extinguished by insolvency or other failure of the direct service industrial
customer. Transfer of ownership of the facility does not affect eligibility
for this credit. However, the credit is available to the successor only if the
eligibility conditions of this section are met.
(7)
The employment security department shall make, and certify to the department of
revenue, all determinations of employment under this section as requested by
the department.
(8)
A person claiming this credit shall supply to the department quarterly reports
containing information necessary to document the total volume of natural or
manufactured gas purchased in the quarter, the value of that total volume, and
the percentage of the total volume used to generate electricity at the
facility.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 10. A
new section is added to chapter 82.12 RCW to read as follows:
(1)
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this
subsection apply throughout this section.
(a)
"Direct service industrial customer" means a person who is an industrial
customer that contracts for the purchase of power from the Bonneville power
administration for direct consumption as of the effective date of this
section. "Direct service industrial customer" includes a person who
is a subsidiary that is more than fifty percent owned by a direct service
industrial customer and who receives power from the Bonneville Power
Administration pursuant to the parent's contract for power.
(b)
"Facility" means a gas turbine electrical generation facility that
does not exist on the effective date of this section and is owned by a direct
service industrial customer for the purpose of producing electricity to be
consumed by the direct service industrial customer.
(c)
"Average annual employment" means the total employment in this state
for a calendar year at the direct service industrial customer's location where
electricity from the facility will be consumed.
(2)
Effective July 1, 2001, the tax levied in RCW 82.12.022 on the first sixty
months' use of natural or manufactured gas by a direct service industrial
customer that owns a facility shall be deferred. This deferral is limited to
the tax on natural or manufactured gas used or consumed to generate electricity
at the facility.
(3)
Application for deferral shall be made by the direct service industrial
customer before the first use of natural or manufactured gas. The application
shall be in a form and manner prescribed by the department and shall include
but is not limited to information regarding the location of the facility, the
projected date of first use of natural or manufactured gas to generate
electricity at the facility, the date construction is projected to begin or did
begin, the applicant's average annual employment in the state for the six
calendar years immediately preceding the year in which the application is made,
and shall affirm the applicant's status as a direct service industrial
customer. The department shall rule on the application within thirty days of
receipt.
(4)(a)
The direct service industrial customer shall begin paying the deferred tax in
the sixth calendar year following the calendar year in which the month of first
use of natural or manufactured gas to generate electricity at the facility
occurs. The first payment will be due on or before December 31st with
subsequent annual payments due on or before December 31st of the following four
years according to the following schedule:
Payment Year % of Deferred Tax to be Paid
1 10%
2 15%
3 20%
4 25%
5 30%
(b)
The department may authorize an accelerated payment schedule upon request of
the taxpayer.
(c)
Interest shall not be charged on the tax deferred under this section for the
period of deferral, although all other penalties and interest applicable to delinquent
excise taxes may be assessed and imposed. The debt for deferred tax will not
be extinguished by insolvency or other failure of the direct service industrial
customer. Transfer of ownership of the facility does not affect deferral
eligibility. However, the deferral is available to the successor only if the
eligibility conditions of this section are met.
(5)(a)
If the average of the direct service industrial customer's average annual
employment for the five calendar years subsequent to the calendar year
containing the first month of use of natural or manufactured gas to generate
electricity at a facility is equal to or exceeds the six-year average annual
employment stated on the application for deferral under this section, the tax
deferred need not be paid. The direct service industrial customer shall
certify to the department by June 1st of the sixth calendar year following the
calendar year in which the month of first use of gas occurs the average annual
employment for each of the five prior calendar years.
(b)
If the five-year average calculated in (a) of this subsection is less than the
average annual employment stated on the application for deferral under this
section, the tax deferred under this section shall be paid in the amount as
follows:
Decrease in Average Annual
Employment Over % of
Deferred
Five-Year Period Tax
to be Paid
Less
than 10% 10%
10%
or more but less than 25% 25%
25%
or more but less than 50% 50%
50%
or more but less than 75% 75%
75%
or more 100%
(c)
Tax paid under this subsection shall be paid according to the schedule in
subsection (4)(a) of this section and under the terms and conditions of
subsection (4)(b) and (c) of this section.
(6)
The employment security department shall make, and certify to the department of
revenue, all determinations of employment under this section as requested by
the department.
(7)
A person claiming this deferral shall supply to the department quarterly
reports containing information necessary to document the total volume of
natural or manufactured gas purchased in the quarter, the value of that total
volume, and the percentage of the total volume used to generate electricity at
the facility.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 11. A
new section is added to chapter 82.16 RCW to read as follows:
(1)
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this
subsection apply throughout this section.
(a)
"Direct service industrial customer" means a person who is an
industrial customer that contracts for the purchase of power from the
Bonneville Power Administration for direct consumption as of the effective date
of this section. "Direct service industrial customer" includes a
person who is a subsidiary that is more than fifty percent owned by a direct
service industrial customer and who receives power from the Bonneville Power
Administration pursuant to the parent's contract for power.
(b)
"Facility" means a gas turbine electrical generation facility that
does not exist on the effective date of this section.
(c)
"Average annual employment" means the total employment in this state
for a calendar year at the direct service industrial customer's location where
electricity from the facility will be consumed.
(2)
Effective July 1, 2001, a credit is allowed against the tax due under this
chapter on sales of electricity made from a facility to a direct service
industrial customer if the contract for sale of electricity to a direct service
industrial customer contains the following terms:
(a)
Sales of electricity from the facility to the direct service industrial
customer will be made for ten consecutive years or more;
(b)
The price charged for the electricity will be reduced by an amount equal to the
tax credit; and
(c)
Disallowance of all or part of the credit under subsection (5) of this section
is a breach of contract and the damages to be paid by the direct service
industrial customer to the facility are the amount of tax credit disallowed.
(3)
The credit is equal to the gross proceeds from the sale of the electricity to a
direct service industrial customer multiplied by the rate in effect at the time
of the sale for the public utility tax on light and power businesses under RCW
82.16.020. The credit may be used each reporting period for sixty months
following the first month electricity is sold from a facility to a direct
service industrial customer. Credit under this section is limited to the
amount of tax imposed under this chapter. Refunds shall not be given in place
of credits and credits may not be carried over to subsequent calendar years.
(4)
Application for credit shall be made before the first sale of electricity from
a facility to a direct service industrial customer. The application shall be
in a form and manner prescribed by the department and shall include but is not
limited to information regarding the location of the facility, identification
of the direct service industrial customer who will receive electricity from the
facility, the projected date of the first sale of electricity to a direct
service industrial customer, the date construction is projected to begin or did
begin, and the average annual employment in the state of the direct service
industrial customer who will receive electricity from the facility for the six
calendar years immediately preceding the year in which the application is
made. A copy of the contract for sale of electricity must be attached to the
application. The department shall rule on the application within thirty days
of receipt.
(5)
All or part of the credit shall be disallowed and must be paid if the average
of the direct service industrial customer's average annual employment for the
five calendar years subsequent to the calendar year containing the first month
of sale of electricity from a facility to a direct service industrial customer
is less than the six-year average annual employment stated on the application
for credit under this section. The direct service industrial customer shall
certify to the department and to the facility by June 1st of the sixth calendar
year following the calendar year in which the month of first sale occurs the
average annual employment for each of the five prior calendar years. All or
part of the credit that shall be disallowed and must be paid is commensurate
with the decrease in the five-year average of average annual employment as
follows:
Decrease in Average Annual
Employment Over
Five-Year Period % of Credit to be Paid
Less
than 10% 10%
10%
or more but less than 25% 25%
25%
or more but less than 50% 50%
50%
or more but less than 75% 75%
75%
or more 100%
(6)(a)
Payments on credit that is disallowed shall begin in the sixth calendar year
following the calendar year in which the month following the first month of
sale of electricity from a facility to a direct service industrial customer
occurs. The first payment will be due on or before December 31st with
subsequent annual payments due on or before December 31st of the following four
years according to the schedule in this subsection.
Payment Year % of Credit to be Paid
1 10%
2 15%
3 20%
4 25%
5 30%
(b)
The department may authorize an accelerated payment schedule upon request of
the taxpayer.
(c)
Interest shall not be charged on the credit that is disallowed for the
sixty-month period the credit may be taken, although all other penalties and
interest applicable to delinquent excise taxes may be assessed and imposed.
The debt for credit that is disallowed and must be paid will not be
extinguished by insolvency or other failure of the taxpayer. Transfer of
ownership of the facility does not affect eligibility for this credit. However,
the credit is available to the successor only if the eligibility conditions of
this section are met.
(7)
The employment security department shall make, and certify to the department of
revenue, all determinations of employment under this section as requested by
the department.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 12. A
new section is added to chapter 82.32 RCW to read as follows:
(1)
The total combined credits and deferrals that may be taken under sections 9
through 11 of this act shall not exceed two million five hundred thousand
dollars in any fiscal year. Each person is limited to no more than a total of
one million five hundred thousand dollars in tax deferred and credit allowed in
any fiscal year in which more than one person takes tax credits and claims tax
deferral. The department may require reporting of the credits taken and
amounts deferred in a manner and form as is necessary to keep a running total
of the amounts.
(2)
Credits and deferred tax are available on a first come basis. Priority for tax
credits and deferrals among approved applicants shall be designated based on
the first actual consumption of gas under section 9 or 10 of this act, or on
the first actual use of electricity under section 11 of this act, by each
approved applicant. The department shall disallow any credits or deferred tax,
or portion thereof, that would cause the total amount of credits taken and
deferred taxes claimed to exceed the fiscal year cap or to exceed the per
person fiscal year cap. If the fiscal cap is reached or exceeded the
department shall notify those persons who have approved applications under
sections 9 through 11 of this act that no more credits may be taken or tax
deferred during the remainder of the fiscal year. In addition, the department
shall provide written notice to any person who has taken any tax credits or
claimed any deferred tax in excess of the fiscal year cap. The notice shall
indicate the amount of tax due and shall provide that the tax be paid within
thirty days from the date of such notice.
(3)
No portion of an application for credit or deferral disallowed under this
section may be carried back or carried forward nor may taxes ineligible for
credit or deferral due to the fiscal cap having been reached or exceeded be
carried forward or carried backward.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 13. A
new section is added to chapter 82.16 RCW to read as follows:
(1)
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this
subsection apply throughout this section.
(a)
"Base credit" means the maximum amount of credit against the tax imposed
by this chapter that each light and power business or gas distribution business
may take each fiscal year as calculated by the department. The base credit is
equal to the proportionate share that the total grants received by each light
and power business or gas distribution business in the prior fiscal year bears
to the total grants received by all light and power businesses and gas
distribution businesses in the prior fiscal year multiplied by two million five
hundred thousand dollars.
(b)
"Billing discount" means a reduction in the amount charged for
providing service to qualifying persons in Washington made by a light and power
business or a gas distribution business. Billing discount does not include
grants received by the light and power business or a gas distribution business.
(c)
"Grant" means funds provided to a light and power business or gas
distribution business by the department of community, trade, and economic
development or by a qualifying organization.
(d)
"Low-income home energy assistance program" means energy assistance
programs for low-income households as defined on December 31, 2000, in the
low-income home energy assistance act of 1981 as amended August 1, 1999, 42
U.S.C. Sec. 8623 et seq.
(e)
"Qualifying person" means a Washington resident who applies for
assistance and qualifies for a grant regardless of whether that person receives
a grant.
(f)
"Qualifying contribution" means money given by a light and power
business or a gas distribution business to a qualifying organization, exclusive
of money received in the prior fiscal year from its customers for the purpose
of assisting other customers.
(g)
"Qualifying organization" means an entity that has a contractual
agreement with the department of community, trade, and economic development to
administer in a specified service area low-income home energy assistance funds
received from the federal government and such other funds that may be received
by the entity.
(2)
Subject to the limitations in this section, a light and power business or a gas
distribution business may take a credit each fiscal year against the tax
imposed under this chapter.
(a)(i)
A credit may be taken for qualifying contributions if the dollar amount of
qualifying contributions for the fiscal year in which the tax credit is taken
is greater than one hundred twenty-five percent of the dollar amount of
qualifying contributions given in fiscal year 2000.
(ii)
If no qualifying contributions were given in fiscal year 2000, a credit shall
be allowed for the first fiscal year that qualifying contributions are given.
Thereafter, credit shall be allowed if the qualifying contributions given
exceed one hundred twenty-five percent of qualifying contributions given in the
first fiscal year.
(iii)
The amount of credit shall be fifty percent of the dollar amount of qualifying
contributions given in the fiscal year in which the tax credit is taken.
(b)(i)
A credit may be taken for billing discounts if the dollar amount of billing
discounts for the fiscal year in which the tax credit is taken is greater than
one hundred twenty-five percent of the dollar amount of billing discounts given
in fiscal year 2000.
(ii)
If no billing discounts were given in fiscal year 2000, a credit shall be
allowed in the first fiscal year that billing discounts are given. Thereafter,
credit shall be allowed if the dollar amount of billing discounts given exceeds
one hundred twenty-five percent of billing discounts given in the first fiscal
year.
(iii)
The amount of credit shall be fifty percent of the dollar amount of the billing
discounts given in the fiscal year in which the tax credit is taken.
(c)
The total amount of credit that may be taken for qualifying contributions and
billing discounts in a fiscal year is limited to the base credit for the same
fiscal year.
(3)
The total amount of credit, statewide, that may be taken in any fiscal year
shall not exceed two million five hundred thousand dollars. By May 1st of each
year starting in 2002, the department of community, trade, and economic
development shall notify the department of revenue in writing of the grants
received in the current fiscal year by each light and power business and gas
distribution business.
(4)(a)
Not later than June 1st of each year beginning in 2002, the department shall
publish the base credit for each light and power business and gas distribution
business for the next fiscal year.
(b)
Not later than July 1st of each year beginning in 2002, application for credit
must by made to the department including but not limited to the following
information: Billing discounts given by the applicant in fiscal year 2000;
qualifying contributions given by the applicant in the prior fiscal year; the
amount of money received in the prior fiscal year from customers for the purpose
of assisting other customers; the base credit for the next fiscal year for the
applicant; the qualifying contributions anticipated to be given in the next
fiscal year; and billing discounts anticipated to be given in the next fiscal
year. No credit under this section will be allowed to a light and power
business or gas distribution business that does not file the application by
July 1st.
(c)
Not later than August 1st of each year beginning in 2002, the department shall
notify each applicant of the amount of credit that may be taken in that fiscal
year.
(d)
The balance of base credits not used by other light and power businesses and
gas distribution businesses shall be ratably distributed to applicants under
the formula in subsection (1)(a) of this section. The total amount of credit
that may be taken by an applicant is the base credit plus any ratable portion
of unused base credit.
(5)
The credit taken under this section is limited to the amount of tax imposed
under this chapter for the fiscal year. The credit must be claimed in the
fiscal year in which the billing reduction is made. Any unused credit
expires. Refunds shall not be given in place of credits.
(6)
No credit may be taken for billing discounts made before July 1, 2001. Within
two weeks of the effective date of this section, the department of community,
trade, and economic development shall notify the department of revenue in
writing of the grants received in fiscal year 2001 by each light and power
business and gas distribution business. Within four weeks of the effective
date of this section, the department of revenue shall publish the base credit
for each light and power business and gas distribution business for fiscal year
2002. Within eight weeks of the effective date of this section, application to
the department must be made showing the information required in subsection
(4)(b) of this section. Within twelve weeks of the effective date of this
section, the department shall notify each applicant of the amount of credit
that may be taken in fiscal year 2002.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 14. (1)
The legislature hereby finds that:
(a)
The economy of the state and the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens
are threatened by the current energy supply and price instabilities;
(b)
Many energy efficiency programs for public buildings launched during the 1970s
and 1980s were not maintained during the subsequent sustained period of low
energy costs and abundant supply; and
(c)
Conservation programs originally established in the 1970s and 1980s can be
improved or updated. New programs drawing on recently developed technologies,
including demand-side energy management systems, can materially increase the
efficiency of energy use by the public sector.
(2)
It is the policy of the state of Washington that:
(a)
State government is committed to achieving significant gains in energy
efficiency. Conventional conservation programs will be reviewed and updated in
light of experience gained since their commencement;
(b)
State government must play a leading role in demonstrating updated and new
energy efficiency technologies. New programs or measures made possible by
technological advances, such as demand-side response measures and energy
management systems, shall be treated in the same manner as conventional
conservation programs and will be integrated into the state's energy efficiency
programs.
Sec.
15. RCW
39.35.010 and 1982 c 159 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
The
legislature hereby finds:
(1)
That major publicly owned or leased facilities have a significant impact on our
state's consumption of energy;
(2)
That energy conservation practices including energy management systems
and renewable energy systems adopted for the design, construction, and
utilization of such facilities will have a beneficial effect on our overall
supply of energy;
(3)
That the cost of the energy consumed by such facilities over the life of the
facilities shall be considered in addition to the initial cost of constructing
such facilities;
(4)
That the cost of energy is significant and major facility designs shall be
based on the total life-cycle cost, including the initial construction cost,
and the cost, over the economic life of a major facility, of the energy
consumed, and of the operation and maintenance of a major facility as they
affect energy consumption; and
(5)
That the use of energy systems in these facilities which utilize renewable
resources such as solar energy, wood or wood waste, or other nonconventional
fuels ((should)), and which incorporate energy management systems,
shall be considered in the design of all publicly owned or leased
facilities.
Sec.
16. RCW
39.35.030 and 1996 c 186 s 402 are each amended to read as follows:
For
the purposes of this chapter the following words and phrases shall have the
following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(1)
"Public agency" means every state office, officer, board, commission,
committee, bureau, department, and all political subdivisions of the state.
(2)
"Department" means the state department of general administration.
(3)
"Major facility" means any publicly owned or leased building having
twenty-five thousand square feet or more of usable floor space.
(4)
"Initial cost" means the moneys required for the capital construction
or renovation of a major facility.
(5)
"Renovation" means additions, alterations, or repairs within any
twelve-month period which exceed fifty percent of the value of a major facility
and which will affect any energy system.
(6)
"Economic life" means the projected or anticipated useful life of a
major facility as expressed by a term of years.
(7)
"Energy management system" means a program, energy efficiency
equipment, technology, device, or other measure including, but not limited to,
a management, educational, or promotional program, smart appliance, meter
reading system that provides energy information capability, computer software
or hardware, communications equipment or hardware, thermostat or other control
equipment, together with related administrative or operational programs, that
allows identification and management of opportunities for improvement in the
efficiency of energy use, including but not limited to a measure that allows:
(a)
Energy consumers to obtain information about their energy usage and the cost of
energy in connection with their usage;
(b)
Interactive communication between energy consumers and their energy suppliers;
(c)
Energy consumers to respond to energy price signals and to manage their
purchase and use of energy; or
(d)
For other kinds of dynamic, demand-side energy management.
(8)
"Life-cycle cost" means the initial cost and cost of operation of a
major facility over its economic life. This shall be calculated as the initial
cost plus the operation, maintenance, and energy costs over its economic life,
reflecting anticipated increases in these costs discounted to present value at
the current rate for borrowing public funds, as determined by the office of
financial management. The energy cost projections used shall be those provided
by the department. The department shall update these projections at least
every two years.
(((8)))
(9) "Life-cycle cost analysis" includes, but is not limited
to, the following elements:
(a)
The coordination and positioning of a major facility on its physical site;
(b)
The amount and type of fenestration employed in a major facility;
(c)
The amount of insulation incorporated into the design of a major facility;
(d)
The variable occupancy and operating conditions of a major facility; and
(e)
An energy-consumption analysis of a major facility.
(((9)))
(10) "Energy systems" means all utilities, including, but not
limited to, heating, air-conditioning, ventilating, lighting, and the supplying
of domestic hot water.
(((10)))
(11) "Energy-consumption analysis" means the evaluation of all
energy systems and components by demand and type of energy including the
internal energy load imposed on a major facility by its occupants, equipment,
and components, and the external energy load imposed on a major facility by the
climatic conditions of its location. An energy-consumption analysis of the
operation of energy systems of a major facility shall include, but not be
limited to, the following elements:
(a)
The comparison of three or more system alternatives, at least one of which
shall include renewable energy systems, and one of which shall comply at a
minimum with the sustainable design guidelines of the United States green
building council leadership in energy and environmental design silver standard
or similar design standard as may be adopted by rule by the department;
(b)
The simulation of each system over the entire range of operation of such
facility for a year's operating period; and
(c)
The evaluation of the energy consumption of component equipment in each system
considering the operation of such components at other than full or rated
outputs.
The
energy-consumption analysis shall be prepared by a professional engineer or
licensed architect who may use computers or such other methods as are capable
of producing predictable results.
(((11)))
(12) "Renewable energy systems" means methods of facility
design and construction and types of equipment for the utilization of renewable
energy sources including, but not limited to, hydroelectric power, active or
passive solar space heating or cooling, domestic solar water heating,
windmills, waste heat, biomass and/or refuse-derived fuels, photovoltaic
devices, and geothermal energy.
(((12)))
(13) "Cogeneration" means the sequential generation of two or
more forms of energy from a common fuel or energy source. Where these forms
are electricity and thermal energy, then the operating and efficiency standards
established by 18 C.F.R. Sec. 292.205 and the definitions established by 18
C.F.R. 292.202 (c) through (m) as of July 28, 1991, shall apply.
(((13)))
(14) "Selected buildings" means educational, office,
residential care, and correctional facilities that are designed to comply with
the design standards analyzed and recommended by the department.
(((14)))
(15) "Design standards" means the heating, air-conditioning,
ventilating, and renewable resource systems identified, analyzed, and
recommended by the department as providing an efficient energy system or
systems based on the economic life of the selected buildings.
Sec.
17. RCW
39.35.050 and 1996 c 186 s 403 are each amended to read as follows:
The
department, in consultation with affected public agencies, shall develop and
issue guidelines for administering this chapter. The purpose of the guidelines
is to define a procedure and method for performance of life-cycle cost analysis
to promote the selection of low-life-cycle cost alternatives. At a minimum,
the guidelines must contain provisions that:
(1)
Address energy considerations during the planning phase of the project;
(2)
Identify energy components and system alternatives including energy
management systems, renewable energy systems, and cogeneration
applications prior to commencing the energy consumption analysis;
(3)
Identify simplified methods to assure the lowest life-cycle cost alternatives
for selected buildings with between twenty-five thousand and one hundred
thousand square feet of usable floor area;
(4)
Establish times during the design process for preparation, review, and approval
or disapproval of the life-cycle cost analysis;
(5)
Specify the assumptions to be used for escalation and inflation rates,
equipment service lives, economic building lives, and maintenance costs;
(6)
Determine life-cycle cost analysis format and submittal requirements to meet
the provisions of chapter 201, Laws of 1991;
(7)
Provide for review and approval of life-cycle cost analysis.
Sec.
18. RCW
39.35A.020 and 1985 c 169 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
Unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise, the definitions in this section shall
apply throughout this chapter.
(1)
"Energy equipment and services" means energy management systems
and any equipment, materials, or supplies that are expected, upon
installation, to reduce the energy use or energy cost of an existing building
or facility, and the services associated with the equipment, materials, or
supplies, including but not limited to design, engineering, financing,
installation, project management, guarantees, operations, and maintenance.
(2)
"Energy management system" has the definition provided in RCW
39.35.030.
(3)
"Municipality" has the definition provided in RCW 39.04.010.
(((3)))
(4) "Performance-based contract" means one or more contracts
for energy equipment and services between a municipality and any other persons
or entities, if the payment obligation for each year under the contract,
including the year of installation, is either: (a) Set as a percentage of the
annual energy cost savings attributable under the contract to the energy
equipment and services; or (b) guaranteed by the other persons or entities to
be less than the annual energy cost savings attributable under the contract to
the energy equipment and services. Such guarantee shall be, at the option of
the municipality, a bond or insurance policy, or some other guarantee
determined sufficient by the municipality to provide a level of assurance
similar to the level provided by a bond or insurance policy.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 19. A
new section is added to chapter 39.35A RCW to read as follows:
The
state department of general administration shall maintain a registry of energy
service contractors and provide assistance to municipalities in identifying
available performance-based contracting services.
Sec.
20. RCW
39.35C.010 and 1996 c 186 s 405 are each amended to read as follows:
Unless
the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply
throughout this chapter.
(1)
"Cogeneration" means the sequential generation of two or more forms
of energy from a common fuel or energy source. If these forms are electricity
and thermal energy, then the operating and efficiency standards established by
18 C.F.R. Sec. 292.205 and the definitions established by 18 C.F.R. Sec.
292.202 (c) through (m) apply.
(2)
"Conservation" means reduced energy consumption or energy cost, or
increased efficiency in the use of energy, and activities, measures, or
equipment designed to achieve such results, but does not include thermal or
electric energy production from cogeneration.
(3)
"Cost-effective" means that the present value to a state agency or
school district of the energy reasonably expected to be saved or produced by a
facility, activity, measure, or piece of equipment over its useful life,
including any compensation received from a utility or the Bonneville power
administration, is greater than the net present value of the costs of
implementing, maintaining, and operating such facility, activity, measure, or
piece of equipment over its useful life, when discounted at the cost of public
borrowing.
(4)
"Energy" means energy as defined in RCW 43.21F.025(1).
(5)
"Energy audit" has the definition provided in RCW 43.19.670.
(6)
"Energy efficiency project" means a conservation or cogeneration
project.
(((6)))
(7) "Energy efficiency services" means assistance furnished by
the department to state agencies and school districts in identifying,
evaluating, and implementing energy efficiency projects.
(((7)))
(8) "Department" means the state department of general
administration.
(((8)))
(9) "Performance-based contracting" means contracts for which
payment is conditional on achieving contractually specified energy savings.
(((9)))
(10) "Public agency" means every state office, officer, board,
commission, committee, bureau, department, and all political subdivisions of
the state.
(((10)))
(11) "Public facility" means a building or structure, or a
group of buildings or structures at a single site, owned by a state agency or
school district.
(((11)))
(12) "State agency" means every state office or department,
whether elective or appointive, state institutions of higher education, and all
boards, commissions, or divisions of state government, however designated.
(((12)))
(13) "State facility" means a building or structure, or a
group of buildings or structures at a single site, owned by a state agency.
(((13)))
(14) "Utility" means privately or publicly owned electric and
gas utilities, electric cooperatives and mutuals, whether located within or
without Washington state.
(((14)))
(15) "Local utility" means the utility or utilities in whose
service territory a public facility is located.
Sec.
21. RCW
39.35C.020 and 1996 c 186 s 406 are each amended to read as follows:
(1)
Each state agency and school district shall implement cost-effective
conservation improvements and maintain efficient operation of its facilities in
order to minimize energy consumption and related environmental impacts and
reduce operating costs. Each state agency shall undertake an energy audit
and implement cost-effective conservation measures pursuant to the time
schedules and requirements set forth in chapter 43.19 RCW, except that any state
agency that, after December 31, 1997, has completed energy audits and
implemented cost-effective conservation measures, or has contracted with an
energy service company for energy audits and conservation measures, is deemed
to have met the requirements of this subsection for those facilities included
in the audits and conservation measures. Each school district shall undertake
an energy audit and implement cost-effective conservation measures pursuant to
the time schedules and requirements set forth in section 22 of this act.
Performance-based contracting shall be the preferred method for completing
energy audits and implementing cost-effective conservation measures.
(2)
The department shall assist state agencies and school districts in identifying,
evaluating, and implementing cost-effective conservation projects at their
facilities. The assistance shall include the following:
(a)
Notifying state agencies and school districts of their responsibilities under
this chapter;
(b)
Apprising state agencies and school districts of opportunities to develop and
finance such projects;
(c)
Providing technical and analytical support, including procurement of
performance-based contracting services;
(d)
Reviewing verification procedures for energy savings; and
(e)
Assisting in the structuring and arranging of financing for cost-effective
conservation projects.
(3)
Conservation projects implemented under this chapter shall have appropriate
levels of monitoring to verify the performance and measure the energy savings
over the life of the project. The department shall solicit involvement in
program planning and implementation from utilities and other energy
conservation suppliers, especially those that have demonstrated experience in
performance-based energy programs.
(4)
The department shall comply with the requirements of chapter 39.80 RCW when
contracting for architectural or engineering services.
(5)
The department shall recover any costs and expenses it incurs in providing
assistance pursuant to this section, including reimbursement from third parties
participating in conservation projects. The department shall enter into a
written agreement with the public agency for the recovery of costs.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 22. A
new section is added to chapter 39.35C RCW to read as follows:
(1)
Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, each school
district shall conduct an energy audit of its facilities. This energy audit
may be conducted by contract or by other arrangement, including appropriate
district staff. Performance-based contracting shall be the preferred method
for implementing and completing energy audits.
(a)
For each district facility, the energy consumption surveys shall be completed
no later than December 31, 2001, and the walk-through surveys shall be
completed no later than October 1, 2002. Upon completion of each walk-through
survey, the district shall implement energy conservation maintenance and
operation procedures that may be identified for any district facility. These
procedures shall be implemented as soon as possible, but not later than twelve
months after the walk-through survey.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, if a walk-through survey
has identified potentially cost-effective energy conservation measures, the
district shall undertake an investment grade audit of the facility. Investment
grade audits shall be completed no later than June 30, 2003, and installation
of cost-effective conservation measures recommended in the investment grade
audit shall be completed no later than December 31, 2004.
(2)
A school district that, after December 31, 1997, has completed energy audits
and implemented cost-effective conservation measures, or has contracted with an
energy service company for energy audits and conservation measures, is deemed
to have met the requirements of this section for those facilities included in the
audits and conservation measures.
(3)
A school district that after reasonable efforts and consultation with the
department is unable to obtain a contract with an energy service company to
conduct an investment grade audit or install cost-effective conservation
measures recommended in an investment grade audit, is exempt from the
requirements of subsection (1)(b) of this section.
Sec.
23. RCW
43.19.668 and 1993 c 204 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
The legislature finds and declares that the buildings, facilities,
equipment, and vehicles owned or leased by state government consume significant
amounts of energy and that energy conservation actions, including energy
management systems, to provide for efficient energy use in these buildings,
facilities, equipment, and vehicles will reduce the costs of state government.
In order for the operations of state government to provide the citizens of this
state an example of energy use efficiency, the legislature further finds and
declares that state government should undertake an aggressive program designed
to reduce energy use in state buildings, facilities, equipment, and vehicles
within a reasonable period of time. The use of appropriate tree plantings for
energy conservation is encouraged as part of this program.
Sec.
24. RCW
43.19.669 and 1980 c 172 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
It
is the purpose of RCW 43.19.670 through 43.19.685 to require energy audits in
state-owned buildings, to require energy audits as a lease condition in all
new, renewed, and renegotiated leases of buildings by the state, to undertake
such modifications and installations as are necessary to maximize the efficient
use of energy in these buildings, including but not limited to energy
management systems, and to establish a policy for the purchase of state
vehicles, equipment, and materials which results in efficient energy use by the
state.
For
a building that is leased by the state, energy audits and implementation of
cost-effective energy conservation measures are required only for that portion
of the building that is leased by the state when the state leases less than one
hundred percent of the building. When implementing cost-effective energy
conservation measures in buildings leased by the state, those measures must
generate savings sufficient to finance the building modifications and
installations over a loan period not greater than ten years and allow repayment
during the term of the lease.
Sec.
25. RCW
43.19.670 and 1982 c 48 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
As
used in RCW 43.19.670 through 43.19.685, the following terms have the meanings
indicated unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1)
"Energy audit" means a determination of the energy consumption
characteristics of a facility which consists of the following elements:
(a)
An energy consumption survey which identifies the type, amount, and rate of
energy consumption of the facility and its major energy systems. This survey
shall be made by the agency responsible for the facility.
(b)
A walk-through survey which determines appropriate energy conservation
maintenance and operating procedures and indicates the need, if any, for the
acquisition and installation of energy conservation measures and energy
management systems. This survey shall be made by the agency responsible
for the facility if it has technically qualified personnel available. The
director of general administration shall provide technically qualified
personnel to the responsible agency if necessary.
(c)
((A technical assistance study)) An investment grade audit, which
is an intensive engineering analysis of energy conservation and management
measures for the facility, net energy savings, and a cost-effectiveness
determination. This element is required only for those facilities designated
in the ((technical assistance study)) schedule adopted under RCW
43.19.680(((3))) (2).
(2)
"Cost-effective energy conservation measures" means energy
conservation measures that the investment grade audit concludes will generate
savings sufficient to finance project loans of not more than ten years.
(3)
"Energy conservation measure" means an installation or modification
of an installation in a facility which is primarily intended to reduce energy
consumption or allow the use of an alternative energy source, including:
(a)
Insulation of the facility structure and systems within the facility;
(b)
Storm windows and doors, multiglazed windows and doors, heat absorbing or heat
reflective glazed and coated windows and door systems, additional glazing,
reductions in glass area, and other window and door system modifications;
(c)
Automatic energy control systems;
(d)
Equipment required to operate variable steam, hydraulic, and ventilating
systems adjusted by automatic energy control systems;
(e)
Solar space heating or cooling systems, solar electric generating systems, or
any combination thereof;
(f)
Solar water heating systems;
(g)
Furnace or utility plant and distribution system modifications including
replacement burners, furnaces, and boilers which substantially increase the
energy efficiency of the heating system; devices for modifying flue openings
which will increase the energy efficiency of the heating system; electrical or
mechanical furnace ignitions systems which replace standing gas pilot lights;
and utility plant system conversion measures including conversion of existing
oil- and gas-fired boiler installations to alternative energy sources;
(h)
Caulking and weatherstripping;
(i)
Replacement or modification of lighting fixtures which increase the energy
efficiency of the lighting system;
(j)
Energy recovery systems; ((and))
(k)
Energy management systems; and
(l)
Such other measures as the director finds will save a substantial amount of
energy.
(((3)))
(4) "Energy conservation maintenance and operating procedure"
means modification or modifications in the maintenance and operations of a
facility, and any installations within the facility, which are designed to
reduce energy consumption in the facility and which require no significant
expenditure of funds.
(((4)))
(5) "Energy management system" has the definition contained in RCW
39.35.030.
(6)
"Energy savings performance contracting" means the process authorized
by chapter 39.35C RCW by which a company contracts with a state agency to
conduct no-cost energy audits, guarantee savings from energy efficiency,
provide financing for energy efficiency improvements, install or implement
energy efficiency improvements, and agree to be paid for its investment solely
from savings resulting from the energy efficiency improvements installed or
implemented.
(7)
"Energy service company" means a company or contractor providing
energy savings performance contracting services.
(8)
"Facility" means a building, a group of buildings served by a central
energy distribution system, or components of a central energy distribution
system.
(((5)))
(9) "Implementation plan" means the annual tasks and budget
required to complete all acquisitions and installations necessary to satisfy
the recommendations of the energy audit.
Sec.
26. RCW
43.19.675 and 1982 c 48 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
For
each state-owned facility, the director of general administration, ((in
cooperation with the director of the state energy office)) or the agency
responsible for the facility if other than the department of general administration,
shall conduct((, by contract or other arrangement,)) an energy audit ((for
each state-owned)) of that facility. ((All energy audits shall
be coordinated with and complement other governmental energy audit programs.
The energy audit for each state-owned facility located on the capitol campus
shall be completed no later than July 1, 1981, and the results and findings of
each energy audit shall be compiled and transmitted to the governor and the
legislature no later than October 1, 1981.)) This energy audit may be
conducted by contract or by other arrangement, including appropriate agency
staff. Performance-based contracting shall be the preferred method for
implementing and completing energy audits. For ((every other)) each
state-owned facility, the energy consumption surveys shall be completed no
later than October 1, ((1982)) 2001, and the walk-through surveys
shall be completed no later than July 1, ((1983)) 2002.
Sec.
27. RCW
43.19.680 and 1996 c 186 s 506 are each amended to read as follows:
(1)
Upon completion of each walk-through survey required by RCW 43.19.675, the
director of general administration or the agency responsible for the facility
if other than the department of general administration shall implement energy
conservation maintenance and operation procedures that may be identified for
any state-owned facility. These procedures shall be implemented as soon as
possible but not later than twelve months after the walk-through survey.
(2)
((By December 31, 1981, for the capitol campus the director of general
administration shall prepare and transmit to the governor and the legislature
an implementation plan.)) If a walk-through survey has identified
potentially cost-effective energy conservation measures, the agency responsible
for the facility shall undertake an investment grade audit of the facility.
Investment grade audits shall be completed no later than December 1, 2002.
Installation of cost-effective energy conservation measures recommended in the
investment grade audit shall be completed no later than June 30, 2004.
(3)
((By December 31, 1983, for all other state-owned facilities, the director
of general administration shall prepare and transmit to the governor and the
legislature the results of the energy consumption and walk-through surveys and
a schedule for the conduct of technical assistance studies. This submission
shall contain the energy conservation measures planned for installation during
the ensuing biennium. Priority considerations for scheduling technical
assistance studies shall include but not be limited to a facility's energy
efficiency, responsible agency participation, comparative cost and type of
fuels, possibility of outside funding, logistical considerations such as
possible need to vacate the facility for installation of energy conservation
measures, coordination with other planned facility modifications, and the total
cost of a facility modification, including other work which would have to be
done as a result of installing energy conservation measures. Energy
conservation measure acquisitions and installations shall be scheduled to be
twenty-five percent complete by June 30, 1985, or at the end of the capital
budget biennium which includes that date, whichever is later, fifty-five
percent complete by June 30, 1989, or at the end of the capital budget biennium
which includes that date, whichever is later, eighty-five percent complete by
June 30, 1993, or at the end of the capital budget biennium which includes that
date, whichever is later, and fully complete by June 30, 1995, or at the end of
the capital budget biennium which includes that date, whichever is later. Each
state agency shall implement energy conservation measures with a payback period
of twenty-four months or less that have a positive cash flow in the same
biennium.))
For
each biennium until all measures are installed, the director of general
administration shall report to the governor and legislature installation progress,
measures planned for installation during the ensuing biennium((, and
changes, if any, to the technical assistance study schedule)). This report
shall be submitted by December 31, ((1984)) 2004, or at the end
of the following year whichever immediately precedes the capital budget
adoption, and every two years thereafter until all measures are installed.
(4)
((The director of general administration shall adopt rules to facilitate
private investment in energy conservation measures for state-owned buildings
consistent with state law.)) Agencies may contract with energy service
companies as authorized by chapter 39.35C RCW for energy audits and
implementation of cost-effective energy conservation measures. The department
shall provide technically qualified personnel to the responsible agency upon
request. The department shall recover a fee for this service.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 28. A
new section is added to chapter 19.29A RCW to read as follows:
(1)
Beginning January 1, 2002, each electric utility must provide to its retail
electricity customers a voluntary option to purchase qualified alternative
energy resources in accordance with this section.
(2)
Each electric utility must include with its retail electric customer's regular
billing statements, at least quarterly, a voluntary option to purchase
qualified alternative energy resources. The option may allow customers to
purchase qualified alternative energy resources at fixed or variable rates and
for fixed or variable periods of time, including but not limited to monthly,
quarterly, or annual purchase agreements. A utility may provide qualified
alternative energy resource options through either: (a) Resources it owns or
contracts for; or (b) the purchase of credits issued by a clearinghouse or
other system by which the utility may secure, for trade or other consideration,
verifiable evidence that a second party has a qualified alternative energy
resource and that the second party agrees to transfer such evidence exclusively
to the benefit of the utility.
(3)
For the purposes of this section, a "qualified alternative energy
resource" means the electricity produced from generation facilities that
are fueled by: (a) Wind; (b) solar energy; (c) geothermal energy; (d) landfill
gas; (e) wave or tidal action; (f) gas produced during the treatment of
wastewater; (g) qualified hydropower; or (h) biomass energy based on solid
organic fuels from wood, forest, or field residues, or dedicated energy crops
that do not include wood pieces that have been treated with chemical
preservatives such as creosote, pentachlorophenol, or copper‑chrome‑arsenic.
(4)
For the purposes of this section, "qualified hydropower" means the
energy produced either: (a) As a result of modernizations or upgrades made
after June 1, 1998, to hydropower facilities operating on the effective date of
this section that have been demonstrated to reduce the mortality of anadromous
fish; or (b) by run of the river or run of the canal hydropower facilities that
are not responsible for obstructing the passage of anadromous fish.
(5)
The rates, terms, conditions, and customer notification of each utility's
option or options offered in accordance with this section must be approved by
the governing body of the consumer-owned utility or by the commission for
investor-owned utilities. All costs and benefits associated with any option
offered by an electric utility under this section must be allocated to the
customers who voluntarily choose that option and may not be shifted to any
customers who have not chosen such option.
(6)
Each consumer-owned utility must report annually to the department and each
investor-owned utility must report annually to the commission beginning October
1, 2002, until October 1, 2012, describing the option or options it is offering
its customers under the requirements of this section, the rate of customer
participation, the amount of qualified alternative energy resources purchased
by customers, and the amount of utility investments in qualified alternative
energy resources. The department and the commission together shall report
annually to the legislature, beginning December 1, 2002, until December 1,
2012, with the results of the utility reports.
Sec.
29. RCW
19.29A.040 and 1998 c 300 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
The
provisions of RCW 19.29A.020, 19.29A.030, ((and)) section 5, chapter
300, Laws of 1998, and section 28 of this act do not apply to a small
utility. However, nothing in this section prohibits the governing body of a
small utility from determining the utility should comply with any or all of the
provisions of RCW 19.29A.020, 19.29A.030, ((and)) section 5, chapter
300, Laws of 1998, and section 28 of this act, which governing bodies
are encouraged to do.
Sec.
30. RCW
44.39.010 and 1977 ex.s. c 328 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
There
is hereby created the joint committee on energy ((and utilities)) supply
of the legislature of the state of Washington.
Sec.
31. RCW
44.39.015 and 1977 ex.s. c 328 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
The
committee shall consist of four senators and four representatives who shall be
selected biennially as follows:
(1)
The president of the senate shall ((nominate)) appoint four
members from the ((energy and utilities)) senate to serve on the
committee, including the ((chairman,)) chair of the committee
responsible for energy issues. Two members ((being)) from each
major political party((, to serve on the committee, and shall submit the
list of nominees to the senate for confirmation. Upon confirmation, the
senators shall be deemed installed as members)) must be appointed.
(2)
The speaker or co-speakers of the house of representatives shall
((nominate)) appoint four members from the ((energy and
utilities)) house of representatives to serve on the committee,
including the ((chairman,)) chair or co-chairs of the committee
responsible for energy issues. Two members ((being)) from each major
political party((, to serve on the committee, and shall submit the list of
nominees to the house of representatives for confirmation. Upon confirmation,
the representatives shall be deemed installed as members. The chairmen of the
senate and house energy and utilities committees shall alternately serve as
chairman for one year terms. The chairman of the house committee shall serve
as the initial chairman. The chairman may designate another committee member
to serve as chairman in his or her absence)) must be appointed.
(3)
The committee shall elect a chair and a vice-chair. The chair shall be a
member of the house of representatives in even-numbered years and a member of
the senate in odd-numbered years. In the case of a tie in the membership of
the house of representatives in an even-numbered year, the committee shall
elect co-chairs from the house of representatives in that year.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 32. A
new section is added to chapter 82.34 RCW to read as follows:
(1)
The following definitions apply throughout this section:
(a)
"Qualifying facility" means an air pollution control facility as that
term is defined in RCW 82.34.010(1)(a) to be installed or acquired for a
thermal electric peaking plant with a capacity of less than one hundred
megawatts and which is approved pursuant to the Washington clean air act,
chapter 70.94 RCW.
(b)
"Thermal electric peaking plant" means a natural gas-fired thermal
electric generating facility operated by a light and power business and placed
into service between January 1, 1978, and December 31, 1984, and that is
registered for the calendar year 2000 pursuant to RCW 70.94.151.
(c)
"Light and power business" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.16.010.
(2)
A light and power business is exempt from sales tax on the installation or
acquisition of up to two qualifying facilities after January 1, 2001, as
provided in this section. Upon written request of a light and power business
to which the approval issued under chapter 70.94 RCW is attached, the
department shall make a determination as to whether a plant is a thermal
electric peaking plant acquiring or installing a qualifying facility eligible
under this section. The department shall consult with the department of
community, trade, and economic development and the department of ecology in
making the determination. If the determination is in the affirmative, the
department shall issue the light and power business a sales and use tax
exemption certificate in a form and manner as deemed appropriate by the
department.
(3)
The charges for installation or acquisition of a qualifying facility by the
holder of the certificate are exempt from sales tax imposed under chapter 82.08
RCW and use tax imposed under chapter 82.12 RCW. The purchaser must provide
the seller with a copy of the sales and use tax exemption certificate. The
seller shall retain a copy of the certificate for the seller's files.
(4)
The exemption in this section is limited to the installation or acquisition of
a qualifying facility and does not apply to servicing, maintenance, operation,
or repairs of a thermal electric peaking plant or of an air pollution control
facility.
(5)
This section expires June 30, 2003.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 33. If
any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is
held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to
other persons or circumstances is not affected.
NEW
SECTION. Sec. 34. This
act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or
safety, or support of the state government and its existing public
institutions, and takes effect immediately.
