SENATE BILL REPORT

HJM 4000

BYRepresentatives Nelson, Hankins, Rust, Fuhrman, Jesernig, Schoon, Miller and Gallagher

Memorializing Hanford as a national energy center.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 16, 1989; March 21, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Bluechel, Vice Chairman; Metcalf, Owen, Stratton, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Paul Ahern (786-7449)

                  March 21, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, MARCH 21, 1989

BACKGROUND:

A national trend for additional energy research and development is exemplified by the emerging awareness of damage to the biosphere.  This is due in part to fossil fuel consumption.  Moreover, a dependence on imported oil could adversely affect our national economic competitiveness.

Hanford and the Tri-Cities community are well suited to take on energy investigation.  Over four decades of highly technical nuclear and defense activities have built a reservoir of scientific and technical talent within the Tri-Cities community.  Additionally, the Hanford Reservation's readily available land and advantageous geographical and topographical features make it well suited to this type of research.

SUMMARY:

The President and Congress are asked to establish the Hanford National Energy Center on the Hanford Reservation.  Further, they are asked that this center be given first consideration as a possible site for the location of energy research, development, and production facilities of all types, as may be anticipated or planned by the federal government and states.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Dick Nelson, prime sponsor