SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6033

BYSenators Benitz and Stratton

Changing the emphasis of state nuclear policy to address Hanford's cleanup.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1989; February 28, 1989; March 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6033 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

      Signed by Senators Sutherland, Williams.

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

                  March 2, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In response to consideration of the Hanford site as the nation's first repository for high-level nuclear waste, the Legislature created the Nuclear Waste Board in 1983.  Legislation which passed Congress in 1987 eliminated Hanford as a candidate for the first high-level waste repository.

Defense materials production at Hanford has resulted in an accumulation of a large volume of stored radioactive waste.  The state is now in the position of asking Congress to appropriate funds for the cleanup of these wastes.

SUMMARY:

The Nuclear Waste Board is changed to the Nuclear Affairs Board.  The board's duties are expanded to consider state policies toward nuclear industries.  Members of the advisory council are subject to Senate confirmation.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The powers and duties of the Nuclear Waste Board and the Nuclear Waste Advisory Council are terminated on June 30, 1990.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 21, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Sarah McCoy, Washington State Save/Freeze (con)