SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5275

BYSenators Lee and Talmadge

Regulating high voltage fields.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1989; February 16, 1989; February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5275 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Benitz, Chairman; Nelson, Owen, Stratton, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Paul Parker (786-7447)

                  March 1, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Concern is developing over the health effects of high voltage electrical and magnetic fields.  Such fields are most commonly found with high voltage transmission lines, in other places in the electrical distribution system, and in some work places.  Some concerned citizen groups are seeking a moratorium on construction of new high voltage transmission lines or undergrounding of those lines until further research is done into the possible health effects.

SUMMARY:

Studies are to be performed on the effects of high voltage fields in the environment and in the work place.  The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is directed to develop interim standards for new high voltage transmission lines.  Those standards will be reviewed at completion of the studies.  Penalties are authorized for violation of the standards developed by DSHS.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

No standards are established.  The appropriation is reduced from $300,000 to $10,000 for the Institute for Public Policy to review studies conducted on the effects of high voltage electric and magnetic fields and to report to the Legislature.

Appropriation:    $10,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 27, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Carl J. Nordstrom, III, citizen (pro); Tom Manley, Virginia Wilhelmi, Fred Miller, Citizens Against Overhead Powerlines (pro); Jack Lee, BPA; Mel Walters, Puget Power (con); Henry Yates, Seattle City Light; Bob Hollingsworth, INTALCO Aluminum; T. R. Strong, Department of Social and Health Services; Robert Taylor, ALCOA (con); Bill Fritz, Reynolds Aluminum (con); Mike Tracy, Puget Power