The State of Washington, and the nation, face continuing shortages of energy resources in the next several years. Citizens in Washington State responded magnificently during last fall's critical electrical power shortage and again during the winter and spring's shortage of gasoline. These difficult periods which required considerable adjustments by our citizens combined with favorable weather conditions to bring us through this period with relatively minor inconvenience and disruption and with less adverse economic impact than would have occurred without citizen support.

An Executive Order issued a year ago (EO 73-07 September 6, 1973) established the basis for energy management and conservation in the State of Washington. This order charged the Department of General Administration with the responsibility of establishing, and monitoring a comprehensive electrical use reduction program. Subsequently, through state administrative actions and federal fuel allocation regulations additional progress was made in controlling the usage of fossil fuels.

As a part of the state's continuing energy management and conservation program, this Executive Order is issued to reinforce and enlarge the state energy conservation effort. In addition to state government actions to supplement present programs, I call upon all governmental agencies, businesses, industrial plants, and individual citizens to renew their conservation practices to lessen our consumption of fuels and energy on a long term basis. Such actions will lessen the probability of shortages and if, in spite of our efforts, one should occur, will enable us to handle it without severe economic or social stress.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Daniel J. Evans, Governor of the State of Washington, do order and direct that the following action be taken to continue and further develop the energy management and conservation program within the State of Washington:

The Department of General Administration shall, in coordination with all state agencies and the Washington State Energy Council, develop an overall energy conservation program for implementation within state government.

The Department shall compile necessary data and issue appropriate instructions to all state agencies to implement energy management and conservation measures based on present facilities, equipment, and operating responsibilities, and shall establish the necessary conservation program among state agencies.

The Department of Emergency Services shall prepare, in consultation with the Department of General Administration, the State Energy Council, and other affected agencies, an organization contingency plan for allocation of energy fuels in short supply and pursuant to applicable federal or state laws, regulations or guidelines. In addition, the Department of Emergency Services is directed to develop an ongoing Energy Information and Conservation Center for assisting general conservation efforts and programs throughout the state.

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