SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5835

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

Creating an energy information program for local school district use.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 10, 1989; February 17, 1989; January 11, 1990; January 16, 1990

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5835 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

                  January 16, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, JANUARY 16, 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 which 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 several 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.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE:

SPI is directed to establish an advisory committee to provide recommendations on implementing an energy education program.  The appropriation is changed from $40,000 to $30,000.

Appropriation:    $30,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: David Kennedy, OSPI (pro); Marie Harris, Westinghouse Hanford (pro)