Section 80.50.010. Legislative finding—Policy—Intent.

The legislature finds that the present and predicted growth in energy demands in the state of Washington requires the development of a procedure for the selection and utilization of sites for energy facilities and the identification of a state position with respect to each proposed site. The legislature recognizes that the selection of sites will have a significant impact upon the welfare of the population, the location and growth of industry and the use of the natural resources of the state.

It is the policy of the state of Washington to recognize the pressing need for increased energy facilities, and to ensure through available and reasonable methods, that the location and operation of such facilities will produce minimal adverse effects on the environment, ecology of the land and its wildlife, and the ecology of state waters and their aquatic life.

It is the intent to seek courses of action that will balance the increasing demands for energy facility location and operation in conjunction with the broad interests of the public. Such action will be based on these premises:

(1) To assure Washington state citizens that, where applicable, operational safeguards are at least as stringent as the criteria established by the federal government and are technically sufficient for their welfare and protection.

(2) To preserve and protect the quality of the environment; to enhance the public's opportunity to enjoy the esthetic and recreational benefits of the air, water and land resources; to promote air cleanliness; and to pursue beneficial changes in the environment.

(3) To provide abundant energy at reasonable cost.

(4) To avoid costs of complete site restoration and demolition of improvements and infrastructure at unfinished nuclear energy sites, and to use unfinished nuclear energy facilities for public uses, including economic development, under the regulatory and management control of local governments and port districts.

(5) To avoid costly duplication in the siting process and ensure that decisions are made timely and without unnecessary delay.

[ 2001 c 214 § 1; 1996 c 4 § 1; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 108 § 29; 1970 ex.s. c 45 § 1.]

NOTES:

Severability—2001 c 214: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 2001 c 214 § 33.]

Effective date—2001 c 214: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 8, 2001]." [ 2001 c 214 § 34.]

Findings—2001 c 214: See note following RCW 39.35.010.

Severability—Effective date—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 108: See notes following RCW 43.21F.010.

Nuclear power facilities, joint operation: Chapter 54.44 RCW.

State energy office: Chapter 43.21F RCW.

2001 c 214 § 1; 1996 c 4 § 1; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 108 § 29; 1970 ex.s. c 45 § 1.