SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5835
BYSenators 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
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5835 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Metcalf, Nelson, Stratton, Williams.
Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)
February 17, 1989
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 17, 1989
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 an 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, and the advantages and disadvantages to future supplies of energy. When implementing this program, SPI shall emphasize teacher training and dissemination of energy education curriculum.
EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:
Language is added for the program to include information about using energy efficiently and for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to emphasize using local energy experts in the classroom.
Appropriation: $40,000
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: requested February 9, 1989
Senate Committee - Testified: Jan Carlin, Energy Communications (pro); Mike Fox, Westinghouse (pro)