HOUSE BILL REPORT

2SSB 5835

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

Creating an energy information program for local school district use.

House Committe on Education

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  (17)

      Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Republican Member; Brumsickle, Cole, Dorn, Holland, Horn, Jones, P. King, Phillips, Pruitt, Rasmussen, Rayburn, Schoon, Valle and Walker.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation.  (1)

      Signed by Representative K. Wilson.

House Staff:Robert Butts (786-7841)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

It has been several years since an energy supply crisis has impacted the Northwest region.  Electricity consumption has grown unexpectedly, as has consumption of motor fuels.

All energy sources have advantages and disadvantages, conditions that may not be fully realized by all energy consumers.

If continued economic growth requires the addition of new supplies of energy, the future supply decisions will affect citizens for decades.  Under RCW 28A.05.010 local school districts are required to provide instruction in science with special reference to the environment.

SUMMARY:

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) is directed to develop a voluntary energy information program for use in local school districts, using existing curriculum.  The program shall include the role of energy in the economy, descriptions of energy sources, the advantages and disadvantages to future supplies of energy, and descriptions of ways to use energy more efficiently.  When implementing this program, SPI shall emphasize teacher training, dissemination of energy education curriculum, and using local energy experts in the classroom.  SPI is directed to establish an advisory committee to provide recommendations on implementing an energy education program.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Benitz, prime sponsor; Henry Yates, Seattle City Light; and Perry Keithley, Superintendent of Public Instruction's Office.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The role of energy in our society is becoming increasingly critical, and it is important that our citizens are well informed about energy.  This low- cost program will provide needed direction to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to ensure that a comprehensive educational program on energy is developed.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.