(1)(a) There is established in the office of the governor the oil spill advisory council.

     (b) The primary purpose of the council is to maintain the state's vigilance in, by ensuring an emphasis on, the prevention of oil spills to marine waters, while recognizing the importance of also improving preparedness and response.

     (c) The council shall be an advisory body only.

     (2)(a) In addition to members appointed under (b) of this subsection, the council is composed of the chair-facilitator and sixteen members representing various interests as follows:

     (i) Three representatives of environmental organizations;

     (ii) One representative of commercial shellfish interests;

     (iii) One representative of commercial fisheries that primarily fishes in Washington waters;

     (iv) One representative of marine recreation;

     (v) One representative of tourism interests;

     (vi) Three representatives of county government from counties bordering Puget Sound, the Columbia river/Pacific Ocean, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca/San Juan Islands;

     (vii) One representative of marine labor;

     (viii) Two representatives of marine trade interests;

     (ix) One representative of major oil facilities;

     (x) One representative of public ports; and

     (xi) An individual who resides on a shoreline who has an interest, experience, and familiarity in the protection of water quality.

     (b) In addition to the members identified in this subsection, the governor shall invite the participation of tribal governments through the appointment of two representatives to the council.

     (3) Appointments to the council shall reflect a geographical balance and the diversity of populations within the areas potentially affected by oil spills to state waters.

     (4) Members shall be appointed by the governor and shall serve four-year terms, except the initial members appointed to the council. Initial members to the council shall be appointed as follows: Six shall serve two-year terms, six shall serve three-year terms, and seven shall serve four-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term of the position vacated. Members serve at the pleasure of the governor.

     (5) The governor shall appoint a chair-facilitator who shall serve as a nonvoting member of the council. The chair shall not be an employee of a state agency, nor shall the chair have a financial interest in matters relating to oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response. The chair shall convene the council at least four times per year. At least one meeting per year shall be held in a Columbia river community, an ocean coastal community, and a Puget Sound community. The chair shall consult with councilmembers in setting agendas and determining meeting times and locations.

     (6) All members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses while attending meetings of the council or technical advisory committees, or when on official business authorized by the chair-facilitator, as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. Members of the council identified in subsection (2)(a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), and (xi) of this section and the chair-facilitator shall each be compensated on a per diem basis as a class two group according to RCW 43.03.230.

     (7) The first meeting of the council shall be convened by the governor or the governor's designee. Other meetings may be convened by a vote of at least a majority of the voting members of the council, or by call of the chair. All meetings are subject to the open public meetings act. The council shall maintain minutes of all meetings.

     (8) To the extent possible, all decisions of the council shall be by the consensus of the members. If consensus is not possible, nine voting members of the council may call for a vote on a matter. When a vote is called, all decisions shall be determined by a majority vote of the voting members present. Two-thirds of the voting members are required to be present for a quorum for all votes. The subject matter of all votes and the vote tallies shall be recorded in the minutes of the council.

     (9) The council may form subcommittees and technical advisory committees.

[2006 c 372 § 907; 2005 c 304 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Severability -- Effective date -- 2006 c 372: See notes following RCW 73.04.135.