Tag Archives: Chelan County PUD General Manager Steve Wright

Governor signs Hawkins’ utility wildfire bill

A proposal introduced by 12^th District Sen. Brad Hawkins to implement recommendations of a key electric utilities wildfire group has been signed into law this week by Gov. Jay Inslee.

The legislation, Senate Bill 5158, directs state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz to work with the Utility Wildland Fire Prevention Advisory Committee to implement recommendations recently offered in this report issued in December 2020. According to Hawkins’ proposal, this is to be accomplished by Aug. 1 and the group’s work will be maintained and updated on the Department of Natural Resources’ website. Hawkins’ bill also will build a process into statute for future collaboration between utilities and DNR and calls for a biennial report to the Legislature about ongoing work.

The bill was passed Feb. 26 by the Senate on a 46-0 vote. On April 8, the House added a committee amendment before passing the revised measure 98-0. The Senate voted 48-0 on April 14 to concur, or agree, with the House-amended version, sending the bill to the governor.

“I’m pleased the governor has signed into law this important bill that will help us better address wildfires in the 12^th District and other wildfire-prone areas,” said Hawkins. “Electric utilities throughout our state have shown strong support for this bill, including by our own Chelan County PUD. If our utilities and DNR can implement these key recommendations to avoid wildfires and utility liability as well as keep communication flowing at all levels of government, that could be a huge benefit for our state and its PUDs.

“These recommendations are very important to many of my utilities, especially considering the 12^th District’s recent history of devastating wildfires,” added Hawkins. “It is important to keep the momentum going on this issue, finalize the group’s recommendations, and ensure ongoing communications with the Legislature.

“I was very excited to partner with Chelan PUD and DNR on this bill. Commissioner Hilary Franz and her staff have been awesome to work with in past years and we accomplished some great things together in my first Senate term. Passage of this bill is a terrific way to start my second term in the Senate.”

During Senate Bill 5158’s public hearings, Chelan County PUD General Manager Steve Wright provided key testimony and appreciates Hawkins’ sponsorship of the bill.

“It’s great to see good public policy such as Senate Bill 5158 succeed with strong bipartisan support. Senator Hawkins’ dogged pursuit of this legislation is what made it happen,” said Wright.

“I appreciate the hard work Senator Hawkins put into this very important bill,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, whose agency led the Utility Wildland Fire Prevention Advisory Committee. “He understands the importance of this collaboration and the importance of continuing to find solutions over the long term. This bill ensures the recommendations put forward by the committee will continue to yield results for the residents of Washington state.”

Hawkins is proud of his strong partnership with DNR. During Hawkins’ first term as 12^th District senator, three of his bills related to forest health or wildfire prevention were passed by the Legislature and signed into law. DNR worked diligently alongside him for each effort.

In 2017, the Legislature approved SB 5546, which directs DNR to set up a framework for assessing the health of fire-prone lands and treating them. It sets a specific goal of assessing and treating 1 million acres over 16 years, most likely through prescribed fire and mechanical thinning. The bill also includes a stakeholder process and biennial progress reviews to the Legislature.
The second measure, Senate Bill 5270, which was passed unanimously by both legislative chambers and signed into law by the governor in 2017, removes the “temporary” label from the contract-timber harvest program operated by DNR. The program allows the agency to hire someone to harvest timber and sort the logs, after which DNR can sell them. It began in 2003 and was expanded by lawmakers in 2009.
In 2018, SB 6211 became law. It gives DNR immediate authority to handle revenue and authorize spending under the Good Neighbor Authority agreement signed by DNR and the U.S. Forest Service in 2017.

(Photo caption: A hillside burns during the Chelan Complex and First Creek fires near Chelan in August 2015.)

Senate unanimously approves Hawkins’ utility wildfire bill

Legislation introduced by 12^th District Sen. Brad Hawkins to implement recommendations by the Electric Utilities Wildland Fire Prevention Task Force on ways to prevent wildfires was approved today 46-0 by the Senate.

Senate Bill 5158 would direct state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz to work with the Utility Wildland Fire Prevention Advisory Committee to implement recommendations recently offered in this report issued in December 2020. According to Hawkins’ proposal, this would be accomplished by Aug. 1 and the group’s work would be maintained and updated on the Department of Natural Resources’ website.

“I’m pleased the Senate has passed this important bill for my district and other wildfire-prone parts of our state,” said Hawkins. “Our state’s electric utilities have shown strong support for this bill, which is very helpful. If our utilities and DNR can keep working together to implement these key recommendations to avoid wildfires and utility liability, that would be a huge benefit for our state and its PUDs.

“These recommendations are very important to many of my utilities, especially considering the 12^th District’s recent history of devastating wildfires,” added Hawkins. “It is important to keep the momentum going for this group, finalize its recommendations, and ensure ongoing communications with the Legislature.

“I’m very excited to be partnering with Chelan PUD and DNR on this bill. Commissioner Hilary Franz and her staff have been awesome to work with in past years and we accomplished some great things together in my first Senate term. I look forward to keeping that going this year as I begin my next term.”

During Senate Bill 5158’s public hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 8 (click here to view hearing), Chelan County PUD General Manager Steve Wright provided key testimony and appreciates Hawkins’ sponsorship of the bill. Wright said, “Commendation to Senator Hawkins. This is an important step to address the collaboration necessary to address a pervasive risk like wildfire that could impact everyone in Chelan County.”

George Caan, executive director of the Washington PUD Association, agrees with the importance of this bill.

“The Washington PUD Association supports Senate Bill 5158,” Caan said. “This legislation will continue the important collaboration between the Department of Natural Resources and electric utilities, including public utility districts, to protect our electricity systems and our state forests from the threat of wildfires.”

Franz previously spoke to the bill and her positive working relationship with Hawkins. Franz said, “A big ‘thank you’ to Senator Hawkins and his leadership on this bill and to all the stakeholders who took time to be part of the task force during a year of uncertainty. We had long-overdue and difficult conversations that brought us to consensus on many issues that will support all our wildfire prevention work as well as post-wildfire processes. The recommendations in this bill will solidify our work and ensure we keep the momentum of the task force going.”

In 2017, the Legislature approved SB 5546, which directs DNR to set up a framework for assessing the health of fire-prone lands and treating them. It sets a specific goal of assessing and treating 1 million acres over 16 years, most likely through prescribed fire and mechanical thinning. The bill also includes a stakeholder process and biennial progress reviews to the Legislature.
The second measure, Senate Bill 5270, which was passed unanimously by both legislative chambers and signed into law by the governor in 2017, removes the “temporary” label from the contract-timber harvest program operated by DNR. The program allows the agency to hire someone to harvest timber and sort the logs, after which DNR can sell them. It began in 2003 and was expanded by lawmakers in 2009.
In 2018, SB 6211 became law. It gives DNR immediate authority to handle revenue and authorize spending under the Good Neighbor Authority agreement signed by DNR and the U.S. Forest Service in 2017.

Senate Bill 5158 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

(Photo caption: Firefighters battle the Chelan Complex and First Creek wildfires near Chelan in 2015.)

Ways and Means Committee passes Hawkins’ bill to implement utility-wildfire group’s recommendations

Another hurdle has been cleared for legislation sponsored by 12^th District Sen. Brad Hawkins to implement recommendations by the Electric Utilities Wildland Fire Prevention Task Force on ways to prevent wildfires.

Senate Bill 5158 was approved late today by the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The proposal now goes to the Senate Rules Committee, which acts as a final gate before bills can reach the Senate floor for a full Senate vote.

Hawkins’ proposal would direct state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz to work with the Utility Wildland Fire Prevention Advisory Committee to implement recommendations recently offered in this report issued in December 2020. According to Hawkins’ bill, this would be accomplished by Aug. 1 and the group’s work would be maintained and updated on the Department of Natural Resources’ website.

“I’m very excited that the bill has been approved by the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee, the committee that develops the Senate budget,” said Hawkins. “This is a very important step in the process because it’s an indicator that it could be included and funded in the budget. Our state’s electric utilities have stepped up in a big way to support this bill, which is very helpful. If our utilities and DNR can keep working together to implement these key recommendations to avoid wildfires and utility liability, that would be a huge benefit for our state and its PUDs.

“These recommendations are very important to many of my utilities, especially considering the 12^th District’s recent history of devastating wildfires,” added Hawkins. “It is important to keep the momentum going for this group, finalize its recommendations, and ensure ongoing communications with the Legislature.

During Senate Bill 5158’s public hearing in the Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 8 (click here to view hearing), Chelan County PUD General Manager Steve Wright provided key testimony and appreciates Hawkins’ sponsorship of the bill. Wright said, “Commendation to Senator Hawkins. This is an important step to address the collaboration necessary to address a pervasive risk like wildfire that could impact everyone in Chelan County.”

George Caan, executive director of the Washington PUD Association, agrees with the importance of this bill.

Under SB 5158, advisory committee membership would include representatives of entities providing retail electric service, including:

one person representing each investor-owned utility;
two persons representing municipal utilities;
two persons representing public utility districts;
two persons representing rural electric cooperatives;
one person representing small forestland owners;
one person representing industrial forestland owners;
other persons with expertise in wildland fire risk reduction and prevention; and
no more than four other persons designated by the public lands commissioner.

In 2017, the Legislature approved SB 5546, which directs DNR to set up a framework for assessing the health of fire-prone lands and treating them. It sets a specific goal of assessing and treating 1 million acres over 16 years, most likely through prescribed fire and mechanical thinning. The bill also includes a stakeholder process and biennial progress reviews to the Legislature.
The second measure, Senate Bill 5270, which was passed unanimously by both legislative chambers and signed into law by the governor in 2017, removes the “temporary” label from the contract-timber harvest program operated by DNR. The program allows the agency to hire someone to harvest timber and sort the logs, after which DNR can sell them. It began in 2003 and was expanded by lawmakers in 2009.
In 2018, SB 6211 became law. It gives DNR immediate authority to handle revenue and authorize spending under the Good Neighbor Authority agreement signed by DNR and the U.S. Forest Service in 2017.

(Photo caption: A hillside burns during the Chelan Complex and First Creek fires near Chelan in August 2015.)

Hawkins’ bill to implement utility-wildfire group’s recommendations approved by key Senate committee

Two years ago, the Legislature created the Electric Utilities Wildland Fire Prevention Task Force, which focused on ways to prevent wildfires. Senate Bill 5158, sponsored by 12^th District Sen. Brad Hawkins to implement its recommendations, was unanimously approved today by the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee.

“These recommendations are very important to many of my utilities, especially considering the 12^th District’s recent history of devastating wildfires,” said Hawkins. “It is important to keep the momentum going for this group, finalize its recommendations, and ensure ongoing communications with the Legislature.

“I’m very excited to be partnering with Chelan PUD and DNR on this bill,” added Hawkins. “Commissioner Hilary Franz and her staff have been awesome to work with in past years and we accomplished some great things together in my first Senate term. I look forward to keeping that going this year as I begin my next term.”

During Senate Bill 5158’s hearing on Jan. 19 (click here to view hearing), Chelan County PUD General Manager Steve Wright provided key testimony and appreciates Hawkins’ sponsorship of the bill. Wright said, “Commendation to Senator Hawkins. This is an important step to address the collaboration necessary to address a pervasive risk like wildfire that could impact everyone in Chelan County.”

George Caan, executive director of the Washington PUD Association, agrees with the importance of this bill.

Under SB 5158, advisory committee membership would include representatives of entities providing retail electric service, including:

one person representing each investor-owned utility;
two persons representing municipal utilities;
two persons representing public utility districts;
two persons representing rural electric cooperatives;
one person representing small forestland owners;
one person representing industrial forestland owners;
other persons with expertise in wildland fire risk reduction and prevention; and
no more than four other persons designated by the public lands commissioner.

In 2017, the Legislature approved SB 5546, which directs DNR to set up a framework for assessing the health of fire-prone lands and treating them. It sets a specific goal of assessing and treating 1 million acres over 16 years, most likely through prescribed fire and mechanical thinning. The bill also includes a stakeholder process and biennial progress reviews to the Legislature.
The second measure, Senate Bill 5270, which was passed unanimously by both legislative chambers and signed into law by the governor in 2017, removes the “temporary” label from the contract-timber harvest program operated by DNR. The program allows the agency to hire someone to harvest timber and sort the logs, after which DNR can sell them. It began in 2003 and was expanded by lawmakers in 2009.
In 2018, SB 6211 became law. It gives DNR immediate authority to handle revenue and authorize spending under the Good Neighbor Authority agreement signed by DNR and the U.S. Forest Service in 2017.

(Photo caption: A hillside burns during the Chelan Complex and First Creek fires near Chelan in August 2015.)

Hawkins partners with Chelan PUD and Department of Natural Resources to implement key task force’s recommendations

Two years ago, the Legislature created the Electric Utilities Wildland Fire Prevention Task Force that focused on ways to prevent wildfires. This critical work included an effort to begin drafting model agreements to remove dangerous trees, developing communications protocols, and considering investigation recommendations. Now that the task force recently released its recommendations to the Legislature, 12^th District Sen. Brad Hawkins is seeking to codify the group as a DNR advisory committee and to help implement its recommendations.

Hawkins’ proposal, Senate Bill 5158, would direct state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz to work with the Utility Wildland Fire Prevention Advisory Committee to implement recommendations recently offered by the Utility Wildland Fire Prevention Task Force, which issued its final report last month. According to the bill, this would be accomplished by Aug. 1 and the group’s work would be maintained and periodically updated on DNR’s website.

“These recommendations are very important to many of my utilities, especially considering the 12^th District’s recent history of catastrophic wildfires,” said Hawkins. “It is important to keep the momentum going for this group to finalize its work products, to ensure posting of critical information to the DNR website, and to ensure ongoing communications with the Legislature.

“I’m very excited to be partnering with Senator Christine Rolfes, DNR, and electric utilities on this bill,” added Hawkins. “Commissioner Hilary Franz and her staff have been awesome to work with in past years and we accomplished some great things together in my first Senate term. I look forward to keeping that going this year as I begin my next term.”

Hawkins’ bill has been referred to the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee, where it is scheduled to receive a public hearing Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m.

“Senator Hawkins’ proposed legislation addresses the increasingly important issue of the nexus between electric utility operations and wildfire risk management,” said Chelan County PUD General Manager Steve Wright. “The legislation expands a fruitful process between utilities and DNR Commissioner Franz. It performs the dual duty of helping protect homeowners from fire risk and the risk of large electric bills.”

Commissioner Franz also spoke to the bill and her positive working relationship with Hawkins. Franz said, “A big ‘thank you’ to Senator Hawkins and his leadership on this bill and to all the stakeholders who took time to be part of the task force during a year of uncertainty. We had long-overdue and difficult conversations that brought us to consensus on many issues that will support all our wildfire prevention work as well as post-wildfire processes. The recommendations in this bill will solidify our work and ensure we keep the momentum of the task force going.”

Under SB 5158, advisory committee membership would include representatives of entities providing retail electric service, including:

one person representing each investor-owned utility;
two persons representing municipal utilities;
two persons representing public utility districts;
two persons representing rural electric cooperatives;
one person representing small forestland owners;
one person representing industrial forestland owners;
other persons with expertise in wildland fire risk reduction and prevention;
and no more than four other persons designated by the public lands commissioner.

In 2017, the Legislature approved SB 5546, which directs DNR to set up a framework for assessing the health of fire-prone lands and treating them. It sets a specific goal of assessing and treating 1 million acres over 16 years, most likely through prescribed fire and mechanical thinning. The bill also includes a stakeholder process and biennial progress reviews to the Legislature.

The second measure, Senate Bill 5270, which was passed unanimously by both legislative chambers and signed into law by the governor in 2017, removes the “temporary” label from the contract-timber harvest program operated by DNR. The program allows the agency to hire someone to harvest timber and sort the logs, after which DNR can sell them. It began in 2003 and was expanded by lawmakers in 2009.

In 2018, SB 6211 became law. It gives DNR immediate authority to handle revenue and authorize spending under the Good Neighbor Authority agreement signed by DNR and the U.S. Forest Service in 2017.

(Photo caption: A hillside burns during the Chelan Complex and First Creek fires near Chelan in August 2015.)

Hawkins’ hydropower tax bill approved by Senate

The Washington State Senate tonight approved Senate Bill 6012, a hydropower tax bill sponsored by Sen. Brad Hawkins that helps acknowledge hydropower’s important role in providing clean energy. Improved tax treatment for hydropower has been a key priority for Hawkins and Chelan County Public Utility District, a 12^th District hydropower utility, for over a year.

Senate Bill 6012, passed with a 39-9 vote and included a compromise amendment co-sponsored by Hawkins and Sen. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle) to provide an exemption from the state portion of the sales tax for utilities that refurbish their hydroelectric plants with oil-free turbine blades, likely to improve environmental conditions by reducing oil loss into the Columbia River.

Hawkins was thrilled to advance SB 6012. The first version of the bill was introduced last year as an effort to promote equal tax treatment between hydropower clean energy and non-hydro clean energy, such as wind and solar. “Securing passage of a hydropower tax bill from the Senate was a ‘heavy lift’ and probably one of the most challenging efforts of my legislative career,” said Hawkins. “In the end, after over a year of discussions involving different ideas, my colleagues and I were able to come to an agreement in the Senate.”

Hawkins credits the amendment language to Chelan County PUD General Manager Steve Wright and his staff, who have been working alongside Hawkins since the beginning of the 2019 legislative session on the issue of hydropower tax treatment. “Chelan PUD has been with me on this issue since the beginning, and it’s been quite a learning experience for everyone involved. I’m hopeful that maybe we’ve settled on a hydro tax idea that can make its way all the way to the governor’s desk,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins added that SB 6012’s legislative journey is far from over because the bill will also need to clear the House of Representatives. The bill’s revenue impacts – approximately $2 million per year – must also be accounted for in the state supplemental operating budget. Rep. Keith Goehner of the 12^th District introduced an oil-free hydro bill earlier this session to begin the hydro tax conversation in the House of Representatives. Hawkins said successful passage of the idea will be a “12th District effort” because hydropower’s success in the Legislature will require the legislative district team’s full support every step of the way.

“Last year, the Legislature approved a 100-percent clean electricity bill, which was heralded among my colleagues and promoted nationally, but our state can’t achieve such a level of clean energy without our renewable hydropower. Last year’s bill extended tax benefits to all of the other clean energy sources, so I’m thankful my colleagues recognize the need to include hydropower as well,” said Hawkins.

Last December, Hawkins was awarded the Washington PUD Association’s “Legislative Champion” Award for securing the passage of SB 5588 (PUD renewable hydrogen) and for his efforts last session toward promoting hydro tax treatment in SB 6012.

Hawkins receives statewide PUD award for hydropower advocacy

The Washington Public Utility Districts Association (WPUDA) has recognized Sen. Brad Hawkins for his efforts and legislative leadership for PUDs throughout the state by presenting him with its 2019 Legislative Champion Award during the association’s Annual Conference Banquet at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver last night.

“I am beyond excited to receive this award and am so thankful for the support of our public utility districts statewide,” Hawkins said. “Receiving this award is so meaningful to me, given the proud history and incredible contributions of PUDs in our area. I’m proud to be an advocate for them and the customers they serve.”

The award recognizes a member of the Washington State Legislature or Congress for leadership in pursuing passage of legislation beneficial to PUDs. In the award letter from WPUDA, Executive Director George Caan wrote: “This award recognizes your strong commitment to advocating in the 2019 legislative session for policies that enhance the ability of public utility districts to serve the needs of their communities. Your leadership as prime sponsor of Senate Bill 5588, your quick introduction to add hydropower as a qualifying renewable resource in the 100% clean energy bill, and your dedication to pursuing tax parity for hydropower as the prime sponsor and staunch advocate of Senate Bill 6012 was instrumental in paving the way for good policy that supports the foundational principles on which PUDs were created.”

“During the 2019 legislative session Senator Hawkins demonstrated a commitment to advancing good public policy that supports the ability of Washington’s public utility districts to meet the needs of the communities they serve. His work is truly deserving of the WPUDA 2019 Legislative Champion Award.” – George Caan, Executive Director of the Washington PUD Association

“Senator Hawkins is a great friend to public power and Washington state’s PUDs, as well as a skilled and trusted advocate for his 12^th District constituents. He understands the complex issues we face and the value of hydropower in helping to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining reliable service and reasonable electric rates. On behalf of Chelan PUD’s Board of Commissioners and our staff and customer-owners, congratulations to Senator Hawkins.” – Steve Wright, General Manager, Chelan County PUD

“Senator Hawkins is a champion of public power! He really deserves this award. He is always looking out for his constituents and definitely has an impact in the communities he serves. We appreciate Senator Hawkins’ leadership and relentless effort to get our renewable hydrogen bill through the Legislature. Thank you and congratulations Senator Hawkins!” – Gary Ivory, General Manager, Douglas County PUD