FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5275

                              C 143 L 89

BYSenate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Lee and Talmadge)

Regulating high voltage fields.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Concern is developing over possible health effects of high voltage electrical and magnetic fields.  Such fields are most commonly found with high voltage transmission lines, in other places in the electrical distribution system, and in some work places.  Some concerned citizen groups have sought a moratorium on construction of new high voltage transmission lines or requiring undergrounding of those lines until further research is conducted.

SUMMARY:

The Washington State Institute for Public Policy is directed to review studies of the effects of high voltage electric and magnetic fields.  In reporting to the Legislature on its findings, the Institute for Public Policy shall identify high-priority research projects that need to be undertaken.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   45    1

     House 77 20 (House amended)

     Senate   46    0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989