VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6538

                   April 1, 2002

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 6, Senate Bill No. 6538 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to ballast water;"

     Senate Bill No. 6538 requires the director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish a work group to study issues related to ballast water, including treatment technologies to prevent the spread of invasive species and other pollutants.  The group will also examine rules for the treatment and disposal of ballast water in Washington waters.

     Section 6 of the bill was an emergency clause, which would have made the law effective upon my signature.  I believe the emergency clause is unnecessary for this bill.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 6 of Senate Bill No. 6538.

     With the exception of section 6, Senate Bill No. 6538 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor