HOUSE BILL REPORT

2SSB 5996

BYSenate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Benitz and Hayner)

Authorizing feasibility study of waste management education.

House Committe on Higher Education

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Van Luven, Ranking Republican Member; Bennett, Fraser, Jesernig, Miller, Rector and Wood.

House Staff:Susan Hosch (786-7120)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The management and safe disposal of hazardous and radioactive waste requires highly specialized skills. Major waste cleanup efforts are expected to begin soon on the Hanford Reservation and at Superfund sites throughout the state.

SUMMARY:

Washington State University and Columbia Basin College are directed to study the feasibility of establishing programs for waste management and related technologies involving colleges and universities, state waste management programs, and private industry.

The study will consider the advisability of establishing an associate of applied sciences degree and preprofessional transfer programs at Columbia Basin College by the 1991-92 school year.  It will also consider the advisability of establishing baccalaureate and graduate degree programs at Washington State University's Tri-Cities branch campus by the same school year.

By December 1, 1990, the two institutions will report on the results of the study to the Legislature, the State Board for Community College Education, and the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Fred Romero, State Board for Community College Education; and Larry Ganders, Washington State University.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Columbia Basin College has received $83,000 to offer workshops in hazardous waste management.  The college has already studied the feasibility of offering programs, and will soon begin to develop curricula.  Washington State University is ready to undertake the study.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.