HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5784
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Environment
Title: An act relating to advancing the regional ocean partnership.
Brief Description: Advancing the regional ocean partnership.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Marine Waters (originally sponsored by Senators Litzow, Ranker, Swecker, Hobbs, Fain, Hill, Pridemore, Nelson, Rockefeller, Regala, Shin and Kline).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Environment: 3/11/11, 3/24/11 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Upthegrove, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Fitzgibbon, Jinkins, Morris, Moscoso, Takko and Tharinger.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Short, Ranking Minority Member; Harris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Nealey, Pearson and Taylor.
Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).
Background:
West Coast Governor's Agreement on Ocean Health.
On September 18, 2006, the governors of California, Oregon, and Washington entered into the West Coast Governor's Agreement on Ocean Health (WCGA). The WCGA cites a need to improve coordination among coastal governing bodies, and states a desire to advance the following goals:
clean coastal waters and beaches;
promote effective ecosystem-based management;
reduce impacts of offshore development;
increase ocean awareness and literacy among the region's citizens;
expand ocean and coastal scientific information, research, and monitoring; and
encourage sustainable economic development of coastal communities.
Marine Resources Stewardship Trust Account.
The Marine Resources Stewardship Trust Account (Account) was created in 2010 as an appropriated account that can accept grants, gifts, donations, and appropriations. Monies in the Account may be used for purposes including marine management planning, marine spatial planning, research, monitoring, and the restoration and enhancement of marine habitat or resources.
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Summary of Bill:
When funds are deposited in the Account, the Governor must recommend to the Legislature, prior to the next regular legislative session, activities and projects to be funded from the Account. The recommendations must be consistent with the allowable uses of the account and the goals articulated in the 2006 WCGA.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Intent section of the bill is relevant. The federal government is currently putting an emphasis on ocean policy and wants local regions to make recommendations that fit local needs. The WCGA is the centerpiece for developing regional recommendations. Federal money is expected, but the WCGA cannot receive the money. The Account is designed to allow for funding of the WCGA's activities through the state. The current structure and cooperative agreement should be supported and allow the partnership with western states to be furthered. The state needs to be positioned to participate in the upcoming and ongoing federal initiatives. There are competing interests for the outer coast's resources for which there needs to be planning if they are to be best used.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Bill Robinson, The Nature Conservancy; and Brian Lynn, Department of Ecology.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.