I. The Closure of the Washington State Energy Office
II. Transfer of Energy Programs
n December 1994, Gov. Mike Lowry released his
legislative budget proposal. In that proposal, he reduced the number of employees in the
Washington State Energy Office (WSEO) by two-thirds and asked for an evaluation of the
role of state government in energy policy and delivery of energy programs and services. At
the same time, WSEO faced significant cuts from a major funder, the Bonneville Power
Administration, and the agency was tapering down from funds acquired through federal
lawsuits against major petroleum companies.
The Governor's proposal, coupled with the downturn of other funding resources, launched WSEO into an in-depth examination of energy policy and programs. WSEO asked leaders in the energy community, private business, and government to help evaluate energy programs and services to determine what the state should provide and what others might. These leaders comprised the Energy Options Steering Committee. The Senate invited the members of the Energy Options Steering Committee to address the specific concerns of the Legislature and propose a recommendation for consideration. The Energy Options Steering Committee advised the state to remain actively engaged in energy-related matters and asked that a smaller, but independent energy agency remain.
In the end, the Legislature declined to maintain a cabinet-level energy agency, but it did recognize the continued importance of energy policy and programs, and the need for a thoughtful, deliberative process for distributing programs and closing WSEO. The date for agency closure was extended to June 30, 1996, and the Washington State Institute for Public Policy was directed to examine WSEO's functions and responsibilities and develop options for their future.
The management and staff of WSEO, as well as the Office of Financial Management,
participated fully in the Institute's study, as did members of the Energy Options Steering
Committee. Of the three options proposed by the study, the Legislature and the Governor
preferred the option of preserving several programs in three state agencies, and agreed to
the innovative proposal to move the bulk of the education, information, technical
assistance, and training programs to the Washington State University Cooperative
Extension. The transition of all energy programs involved a 55 percent reduction in FTEs.
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The following changes and transitions became effective on July 1, 1996.
 The following programs and 12.5 FTEs transferred to the Washington State Department of Community, Trade
and Economic Development: Contact K.C. Golden, Assistant Director, Energy Service Area; (360) 956-2006. |
 The following energy programs and 50 FTEs transferred to
the Washington State University Cooperative Extension: Contact Kristine Growdon, Unit Manager; |
|
 Programs related to energy efficiency in publicly owned facilities and institutions, the federal partnership Public Buildings Challenge, and four FTEs transferred to the Washington State Department of General Administration. Contact Ray Anderson, Energy Program Manager; |
 The Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Program task force responsibilities and seven staff transferred to the Washington Department of Transportation. Contact Brian Lagerberg, CTR Program Coordinator; (360) 705-7878. |
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The print version of the 1997 Biennial Energy Report is available free of charge. To order, contact Julie Palakovich at (360) 956-2098, or send e-mail to wepg@ep.cted.wa.gov.
