FINAL BILL REPORT

                           SJM 8017

                     AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

Brief Description:  Requesting the United States Department of Energy to support the Fast Flux Test Facility at Hanford.

SPONSORS: Senators Jesernig and Loveland

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES

BACKGROUND:

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a United States Department of Energy advanced reactor located at Hanford.  It has been on line since 1982 and has set several world records for efficient operation.  It can be operated to produce certain isotopes used in medicine and outer-space research vessels.  The FFTF has the potential to destroy some nuclear weapons and could potentially supply electricity to the regional power grid.

Originally the FFTF was designed to be part of a national effort to reprocess spent nuclear fuel.  Partly because the reprocessing program was canceled, the operators of the FFTF have struggled with finding a long-term mission for the reactor.

Former Governor Gardner commissioned a team to market the potential of the FFTF to international interests.  This team reported its analysis in March, 1992, concluding that there is significant support for the continued operation of the FFTF, both in the United States and in other countries.

SUMMARY:

The President, the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy, and selected members of Congress are asked to assure that the Department of Energy gives adequate financial and political support to the FFTF and that the reactor is given a long-term mission.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    46   2

House     98   0