SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6077

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.

Sponsors: Senators Nelson, Conway, Frockt, Rolfes, Regala and Kline; by request of Department of Ecology.

Committee Activity: Environment: 1/27/12, 1/31/12 [DP-WM, DNP].

Ways & Means: 2/06/12.

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Nelson, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Chase, Fraser and Pridemore.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Honeyford, Morton and Sheldon.

Background: The Department of Ecology (DOE) is required to administer a woodstove education program for woodstove dealers and the public. The program is to provide information about the effects of woodstove emissions on health and air quality; ways to achieve better efficiency and emission performance from woodstoves; DOE approved woodstoves; and the benefits of replacing inefficient woodstoves with approved woodstoves.

There is a $30 fee on the retail sale of solid fuel-burning devices that has been in place since January 1, 1992. The revenue collected must be used for the woodstove education program.

Summary of Bill: An additional fee of $15 is assessed on the retail sale of each solid fuel-burning device. The revenue collected must be used by DOE for the woodstove education program.

Fiscal Note: Available.

[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Environment): PRO: This is part of the Governor's budget proposal. It will reduce the amount of GF-S currently subsidizing the program. It is a net-zero change. This will provide some funding to help with education on the impacts of wood smoke.

Persons Testifying (Environment): PRO: Stu Clark, DOE; Gary Smith, Independent Business Assn.; Carrie Nyssen, American Lung Assn.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Ways & Means): PRO: This fee allows DOE to eliminate the General Fund subsidy for the program. This will not result in an increase in spending.