BILL REQ. #:  S-1825.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/22/07.   

     AN ACT Relating to voluntary measures to protect critical areas; adding a new section to chapter 36.70A RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that there is a broadly held ethic among the citizens of the state that includes appreciation of nature and environmental values, and that citizens are willing to voluntarily undertake activities to protect and enhance environmental values at their homes and gardens, on land on which they live or work, and in their communities. The legislature finds that voluntary activities can be invaluable toward achieving the overall goal of protecting and enhancing the environment and that such activities should be given recognition as highly valued endeavors.
     The legislature finds that there are successful programs that can be used as models, such as the "Shore Stewards Guide for Shoreline Living" jointly prepared by university extension faculty and local governments, that provide information on a broad array of actions that citizens can undertake that fits their unique conditions and interests. The legislature finds that better enabling citizens to undertake voluntary activities can in many circumstances be advantageous.
     The purpose of this act is to encourage counties and cities to expand the availability and use of education, incentives, and other programs to help implement the comprehensive plans and development regulations required by chapter 36.70A RCW and to encourage and increase the information and resources available to the public and to foster voluntary activities by citizens to improve their environment.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 36.70A RCW to read as follows:
     To aid in carrying out the comprehensive plans and development regulations required by this chapter, counties and cities shall employ voluntary measures, incentives, and educational programs, to the greatest extent possible, where they can be effective.