SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8005

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Economic Development, Trade & Innovation, February 9, 2011

Brief Description: Supporting the participation of Taiwan as an observer in the United Nations framework convention on climate change and in the international civil aviation organization.

Sponsors: Senators Shin, Delvin, Ericksen, Kastama, Honeyford, Chase, Nelson, Roach, Pridemore, Swecker, Sheldon, Harper, Rockefeller, Hobbs, Haugen, Becker, Fraser, Kline, Hatfield, Conway, Holmquist Newbry, Benton, Morton, Hargrove, Ranker, McAuliffe and White.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 2/09/11 [DPS].

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Joint Memorial No. 8005 be substituted therefor, and the substitute joint memorial do pass.

Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Chase, Vice Chair; Baumgartner, Ranking Minority Member; Ericksen, Hatfield, Holmquist Newbry, Kilmer and Shin.

Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)

Background: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) entered into force in 1994 and sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to address challenges posed by climate change. The UNFCCC proclaims that the climate system is a shared resource and its stability can be affected by industrial and other emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Governments engage in a variety of collaborative activities under the UNFCCC including gathering and sharing information on greenhouse gas emissions, national policies, and best practices; launching national strategies for addressing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to expected impacts, including the provision of financial and technological support to developing countries; and agreeing to international treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol, which sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, there are 194 parties to the UNFCCC with 165 signatories.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) was established in 1944 as a means to secure international cooperation and uniformity in regulations, standards and procedures, and organization regarding civil aviation matters The ICAO has three strategic objectives: (1) enhance global civil aviation safety; (2) enhance global civil aviation security; and (3) foster harmonized and economically viable development of international civil aviation that does not unduly harm the environment. To date, there are 190 contracting countries to the ICAO.

Washington State and Taiwan have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship. For over a decade, Taiwan has been a top export market for Washington businesses and is a key air transport hub that links Northeast and Southeast Asia. In 2010, for example, Taiwan represented the fifth largest export market for numerous Washington based industries. Some 174,000 international flights carrying over 35 million passengers arrived in and departed from Taiwan in 2008. Although Taiwan represents the world's 26th largest economy and 18th largest trading partner, climate change seriously impacts sustainable development and the welfare of the Taiwanese.

At present, Taiwan has been excluded from participation in the UNFCCC and ICAO.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Washington State Legislature supports Taiwan's participation as an observer in the UNFCCC and in the ICAO.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Taiwan is one of our best trading partners; Washington maintains a great relationship with Taiwan. This joint memorial is not to recognize Taiwan politically, but to recognize that climate change is a global issue. Taiwan has a population of approximately 26 million people and is one of the strongest economies in Asia. The state, through this joint memorial, is encouraging Taiwan's participation as an observer in UNFCCC and ICAO. When natural disasters such as Katrina have impacted other countries, Taiwan has donated millions of dollars in aid. To date, over 20 countries have endorsed similar resolutions in support of Taiwan. Washington State has made similar endorsements over the years, so this is not new. The committee should support this joint memorial.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Shin, prime sponsor.