2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 77.85.040: Independent science panel — Selection — Terms — Purpose.

(1) The governor shall request the national academy of sciences, the American fisheries society, or a comparable institution to screen candidates to serve as members on the independent science panel. The institution that conducts the screening of the candidates shall submit a list of the nine most qualified candidates to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the majority leader of the senate. The candidates shall reflect expertise in habitat requirements of salmon, protection and restoration of salmon populations, artificial propagation of salmon, hydrology, or geomorphology.

(2) The speaker of the house of representatives and the majority leader in the senate may each remove one name from the nomination list. The governor shall consult with tribal representatives and the governor shall appoint five scientists from the remaining names on the nomination list.

(3) The members of the independent science panel shall serve four-year terms. Vacant positions on the panel shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. Members shall serve no more than two full terms. The independent science panel members shall elect the chair of the panel among themselves every two years. Based upon available funding, the governor's salmon recovery office may contract for services with members of the independent science panel for compensation under chapter 39.29 RCW.

(4) The independent science panel shall be governed by generally accepted guidelines and practices governing the activities of independent science boards such as the national academy of sciences. The purpose of the independent science panel is to help ensure that sound science is used in salmon recovery efforts. The governor's salmon recovery office may request review of regional salmon recovery plans by the science review panel. The science panel does not have the authority to review individual projects or habitat project lists developed under RCW 77.85.050 or 77.85.060 or to make policy decisions. The panel shall periodically submit its findings and recommendations under this subsection to the legislature and the governor.

[2005 c 309 § 5; 2000 c 107 § 94; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 10; 1998 c 246 § 6. Formerly RCW 75.46.050.]

Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.