H-635                _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 270

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1987 Regular Session

By Representatives Nelson, Todd, Unsoeld, Jacobsen, P. King and Valle

Read first time 1/22/87 and referred to Committee on Energy & Utilities.

AN ACT Relating to the transfer of nuclear generating plants and associated facilities by operating agencies; and adding a new section to chapter 43.52 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 43.52 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) An operating agency which has control over a nuclear generating plant and associated facilities, whether operating, under construction, in a preservation mode, or terminated, shall not transfer any portion of such nuclear generating plant or associated facilities to the federal government or any of its agencies except in accordance with this section.

          (2) Prior to executing any proposed contract under subsection (1) of this section, the joint operating agency shall prepare a written report on the consequences of any transfer which shall address at least the following items:

          (a) The proposed purchase price for the transfer;

          (b) The impact on the ratepayers of the state of Washington if the transfer should occur;

          (c) A description of how the transferred property might be used by the federal government or its agencies;

          (d) The impact of a transfer on any bondholders which may be affected by a transfer;

          (e) The history of negotiations which led to the proposed transfer; and

          (f) An analysis of the emergency response plans for the operation intended by the federal government.

          (3) Prior to executing any proposed contract under subsection (1) of this section, the joint operating agency shall hold at least two public hearings on the proposed contract and the written report prepared under subsection (2) of this section.  The joint operating agency shall also submit the proposed contract and written report to the energy and utilities committees of the senate and house of representatives at least thirty days prior to the date the proposed contract is to be executed.  The proposed contract shall only be executed upon the approval of the energy and utility committees of the senate and house of representatives.