SENATE BILL REPORT

SHJM 4023

BYHouse Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Representatives Jesernig, Hankins, Brooks, Baugher, Grant, Bristow, Nelson, Brekke, Unsoeld, Rust, Walker, Pruitt, Jacobsen, Sprenkle, Rayburn, Wineberry, Todd, B. Williams, C. Smith, Crane, Schoon, Winsley, Doty, Spanel, Silver, Hine and Holm)

Petitioning Congress to pursue the cleanup and disposal of radioactive wastes at Hanford.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 26, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Williams, Chairman; Owen, Vice Chairman; Benitz, Cantu, Nelson, Smitherman, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Elaine Rose (786-7455)

                  March 26, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, MARCH 26, 1987

BACKGROUND:

National defense activities involving nuclear materials have been ongoing on the Hanford Reservation for over 40 years.  A consequence has been the accumulation of substantial quantities of radioactive wastes, some of which are very hazardous.  These wastes currently are in non-permanent storage and, accordingly, pose a potential threat to future generations.  There are hazardous chemical wastes as well as radioactive wastes in non- permanent storage, posing a similar threat.

Because of the large cost of rendering the area safe for future generations, there should be steady and assured funding for the task.

SUMMARY:

Congress is asked to pursue cleanup of the Hanford Reservation vigorously by appropriating sufficient funds on a continuing basis as recommended by the Northwest Citizens Forum on Defense Waste.  This should include consideration of establishing a defense waste trust fund.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The involvement of the state Nuclear Waste Board is recognized.  The estimated cost of clean up of the defense wastes is increased from $11 to $17 billion.  The U.S. Department of Energy, rather than the Department of Defense, is the appropriate agency to receive the memorial.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Lane Nothman, WashPIRG; Sarah McCoy, Puget Sound Sane; Warren Bishop, Nuclear Waste Board