SB 5138-S2.E - DIGEST
(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/10/2009)

Recognizes that climate change poses a significant threat to Washington's economy, the health and welfare of its population, and its natural resources. Washington's water supply and natural resources are particularly vulnerable to temperature changes and shifts in precipitation patterns and could suffer devastating consequences if adaptive measures are not taken.

Declares it is in the public interest for the state to address the effects of climate change and to be able to plan for future climate change impacts.

Creates an integrated climate change response strategy with prioritized and coordinated climate change preparation and adaptation actions that state and local agencies, public and private businesses, tribes, and individuals can use to plan and prepare for the impacts of climate change through a collaborative process of on-going research, analysis, collection, and distribution of data and information.

Requires the departments of ecology, fish and wildlife, natural resources, and transportation to develop an integrated climate change response strategy to better enable state and local agencies, public and private businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals to prepare for, address, and adapt to the impacts of climate change. However, the department of transportation's obligations are subject to availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose.

Directs the science advisory group to provide independent, nonrepresentational scientific advice to the department of ecology.

Provides that the act is null and void if appropriations are not approved.