The State of Washington has a rapidly-growing responsibility for the management of its energy programs and the coordination of other energy-related activities within state government.

These responsibilities stem primarily from: 1) federal energy programs and policy formulation, in which state participation is either mandated or appropriate, 2) requirements for participation and support in critical local, state and regional energy projects and activities not provided for elsewhere adequately, and 3) the need for continuing development of state energy policy and programs which provide consistent direction of state and local agencies of government in achieving what are becoming increasingly difficult choices between competing energy supply and use alternatives.

During the past two years, our energy problems have steadily become more urgent and more complex. Portions of the state energy management and policy development tasks in this period have been assumed by individual state agencies, by the Energy Policy Council and by my office. The state needs to better prepare pending legislative action for the critical actions which are now and will be required. We must not fall behind in our energy responsibilities, overlook constructive opportunities or work in duplicative or counter-productive fashion. We can better meet our energy responsibilities, at least temporarily, by the establishment of an administrative and coordinating energy agency within the Office of the Governor.

The Office shall provide a coordinating function for the state in energy policies and programs, and will have the following responsibilities:

1. To gather and analyze information on energy supply availability and energy use forecasts for the Governor and the Legislature.

2. To assume responsibility for the comprehensive management and coordination of federal energy programs required of, or made available to the state, including the allocation of fuels, energy and related products under federal law or regulation; the development, stimulation and monitoring of energy conservation programs and related activities; the collection and reporting of energy data; the coordination, supervision and reporting of federally-funded energy programs executed by state government agencies, except as otherwise provided by statute; utilizing of federal resources available to the state for energy management, coordination, demonstration, and reporting purposes and management of such other federal energy-related requirements of activities which are directed to the State of Washington for execution by the Governor.

3. As directed by the Governor, identify, plan for, coordinate and make recommendations for those energy-related management, operational and research programs of state agencies which are not otherwise provided by statute, and shall serve as the point of contact within state government for those agencies proposing to engage in such activities, and shall report to the Governor and the Legislature on the status and accomplishment of such programs.

4. To represent the Governor, when requested, before federal, regional, and local jurisdictions for the purposes of implementing and coordinating energy activities, except as otherwise provided by statute. The Administrator shall prepare a recommendation to the Governor for the establishment of an appropriate citizen-based advisory body on state energy policy, in continuation of the intent and purpose of the former Energy Policy Council, and with broad public participation; and upon its establishment, he shall administer and support its activities, including public meetings and public informational services.

5. To carry out, within the State Energy Office, or through other state agencies and institutions of higher education, by means of grants and contracts, as appropriate, such research, data collection, and analysis as is necessary in furtherance of state energy programs, and shall coordinate the similar activities of other state agencies, except as otherwise provided by statute, in order to reduce duplication of efforts and maximize productive output.

6. To develop within the context of federal or state law or regulations contingency plans to deal with severe shortages of energy as these may affect the state and its citizens and to have such plans in a state of readiness.

7. On assignment by the Governor, perform other duties in the field of energy policy formulation and management, including the coordination of energy-related activities in other state agencies except as otherwise provided by statute.

8. Insofar as possible, utilize existing professional and administrative staff to carry out the performance of these duties and functions.

The existing duties and responsibilities of the Energy Information and Conservation Center within the Department of Emergency Services as delineated in EO 73-11 and other ongoing energy activities, including allocation programs and contingency planning efforts, are transferred to the State Energy Office.

The existing energy management functions of the Department of General Administration as delineated in EO 74-16 are transferred to the Office established under this Order.