SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5275

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

Regulating high voltage fields.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1989; February 16, 1989; February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5275 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Benitz, Chairman; Nelson, Owen, Stratton, Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7447)

                  April 7, 1989

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

AS PASSED SENATE MARCH 8, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Concern is developing over the 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 done into the possible health effects.

SUMMARY:

An appropriation of $10,000 is made for the Institute for Public Policy 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.

Appropriation:    $10,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 27, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Carl J. Nordstrom, III, citizen (pro); Tom Manley, Virginia Wilhelmi, Fred Miller, Citizens Against Overhead Powerlines (pro); Jack Lee, BPA; Mel Walters, Puget Power (con); Henry Yates, Seattle City Light; Bob Hollingsworth, INTALCO Aluminum; T. R. Strong, Department of Social and Health Services; Robert Taylor, ALCOA (con); Bill Fritz, Reynolds Aluminum (con); Mike Tracy, Puget Power

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

A reference to "electromagnetic" is changed to "electric and magnetic."  The appropriation to the Washington State Institute for Public Policy is stricken.