BILL REQ. #:  H-0426.1 

Prefiled 1/5/2007. Read first time 01/08/2007.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Energy & Communications.

     AN ACT Relating to streamlining the implementation and coordination of state energy policies and programs; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that it is in the state's best interest to pursue an aggressive sustainable energy agenda. Since all new energy is the most expensive energy, it is the place of government to initiate and drive policy for new energy technologies that will be the most reasonable cost energy for the future. The state has passed legislation in recent years that promotes the use and manufacturing of renewable energy technologies, requires energy efficiency and conservation, supports consumption of biofuels and the growth of state biofuel feedstocks, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants and automobiles.
     Various state agencies and institutions have been designated to execute sustainable energy policies and programs. These agencies include the energy policy division of the department of community, trade, and economic development, Washington State University's energy extension program, the utilities and transportation commission, the department of general administration, the department of agriculture, and the department of ecology.
     The legislature finds that the implementation of Washington's sustainable energy agenda is being impeded due to the fragmented division of responsibilities among these state-based energy agencies and institutions and the lack of a central coordinating agency that ensures cooperation and the execution of a strategic plan.
     The legislature intends to centralize state energy programs and certain regulatory functions that are currently spread throughout state government into one central office called the sustainable energy office.
     In creating the sustainable energy office, the legislature intends to centralize and integrate state sustainable energy functions, ensure staffing resources are allocated in the most efficient and effective manner possible, eliminate the duplication of services, and ensure the execution of policy adopted by the legislature.