(1) The department must develop and provide to counties and cities a range of advisory climate change response methodologies, a computer modeling program, and estimates of greenhouse gas emission reductions resulting from specific measures. The advisory methodologies, computer modeling program, and estimates must reflect regional and local variations and the diversity of counties and cities planning under RCW 36.70A.040. Advisory methodologies, the computer modeling program, estimates, and guidance developed under this section must be consistent with recommendations developed by the advisory policy committee established in section 4, chapter 289, Laws of 2008.

     (2) The department, in complying with this section, must work with the department of transportation on reductions of vehicle miles traveled through efforts associated with, and independent of, the process directed by RCW 47.01.440.

     (3) The department must complete and make available the advisory climate change response methodologies, computer program, and estimates required by this section by December 1, 2009. The advisory climate change response methodologies, computer program, and estimates must be updated two years before each completion date established in RCW 36.70A.130(4)(a).

     (4) This section expires January 1, 2011.

[2008 c 289 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- 2008 c 289: "(1) The legislature recognizes that the implications of a changed climate will affect the people, institutions, and economies of Washington. The legislature also recognizes that it is in the public interest to reduce the state's dependence upon foreign sources of carbon fuels that do not promote energy independence or the economic strength of the state. The legislature finds that the state, including its counties, cities, and residents, must engage in activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence upon foreign oil.

     (2) The legislature further recognizes that: (a) Patterns of land use development influence transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and the need for foreign oil; (b) fossil fuel-based transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington; and (c) the state and its residents will not achieve emission reductions established in *RCW 80.80.020 without a significant decrease in transportation emissions.

     (3) The legislature, therefore, finds that it is in the public interest of the state to provide appropriate legal authority, where required, and to aid in the development of policies, practices, and methodologies that may assist counties and cities in addressing challenges associated with greenhouse gas emissions and our state's dependence upon foreign oil." [2008 c 289 § 1.]

     *Reviser's note: RCW 80.80.020 was repealed by 2008 c 14 § 13.

     Application -- 2008 c 289: "This act is not intended to amend or affect chapter 353, Laws of 2007." [2008 c 289 § 6.]