BILL REQ. #:  S-4778.2 

READ FIRST TIME 02/02/06.   

     AN ACT Relating to making it state policy that state agencies reduce energy purchases; and amending RCW 43.21F.015.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 43.21F.015 and 1994 c 207 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     It is the policy of the state of Washington that:
     (1) The development and use of a diverse array of energy resources with emphasis on renewable energy resources shall be encouraged;
     (2) The supply of energy shall be sufficient to insure the health and economic welfare of its citizens;
     (3) The development and use of energy resources shall be consistent with the statutory environmental policies of the state;
     (4) Energy conservation and elimination of wasteful and uneconomic uses of energy and materials shall be encouraged, and this conservation should include, but is not limited to, resource recovery and materials recycling;
     (5) By September 1, 2009, each state agency is encouraged to reduce its electrical and heating consumption by fifteen percent from fiscal year 2005, using all practicable, cost-effective means available, including energy efficiency programs and the use of on-site renewable resources. The department of general administration, in cooperation with the state energy office, shall develop standards and formulas to assist agencies in meeting this goal.
     (a) By September 1st of each year, each state agency shall report to the department of general administration its electrical and heating reduction efforts for the previous fiscal year. By December 31st of each year, the department shall summarize the reports and report to the appropriate committees of the legislature. The summary shall include details on how each agency was able to reduce its electrical and heating consumption.
     (b) For the purposes of this subsection, "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;
     (6) In energy emergency shortage situations, energy requirements to maintain the public health, safety, and welfare shall be given priority in the allocation of energy resources, and citizens and industry shall be assisted in adjusting to the limited availability of energy in order to minimize adverse impacts on their physical, social, and economic well being;
     (((6))) (7) State government shall provide a source of impartial and objective information in order that this energy policy may be enhanced; and
     (((7))) (8) The state energy strategy shall provide primary guidance for implementation of the state's energy policy.