EXECUTIVE ORDER 98-01

EXTENDING THE LAND USE STUDY COMMISSION

WHEREAS, the Land Use Study Commission was established in 1995 to conduct studies relating to the effectiveness and implementation of Washington’s land use and environmental laws and, pursuant to its enabling statute is due to expire on June 30, 1998.

WHEREAS, members of the Commission have given hundreds of hours of their time to benefit the citizens of the state.

WHEREAS, the Commission has completed the majority of the assignments given to it by the Legislature and the Governor and its recommendations have become law in each of the last two legislative sessions, resulting in significant improvements to the Washington’s land use and environmental laws, and resolving many of the recurrent areas of dispute about the Growth Management Act.

WHEREAS, the Commission has made considerable progress in developing a consolidated land use code and valuable work would be lost if the Commission terminates before this task is completed.

WHEREAS, the complexity of developing a consolidated land use code, a delay in establishing the Commission, and the additional duties given to it over the last two years have prevented the Commission from completing this final task before June 30, 1998.

WHEREAS, a consolidated land use code will have several important benefits for Washington State, including:

  1. Protection and enhancement of important state environmental values;
  2. More effective and efficient use of public and private resources in the land use planning and project review, leading to greater certainty and streamlining of the development process without adverse environmental consequences;
  3. Improved cooperation between the state, local, federal, and tribal governments on land use and environmental issues;
  4. Enhanced public participation and confidence in the state’s land use and environmental regulatory system;
  5. Assisting in the overall state response to challenges posed by potential listings of salmon stocks under the federal Endangered Species Act.

WHEREAS, with an additional six months, the Commission will be able to conclude its work and present its recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Gary Locke, Governor of the State of Washington, by virtue of the power vested in me, hereby order and direct the following actions:

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the State of Washington to be Affixed at Olympia this 3rd day of February A.D., Two thousand.
 

 

GARY LOCKE
Governor of Washington

   
BY THE GOVERNOR:  
Secretary of State