SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6771

BYSenate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Lee, Talmadge, Anderson, McMullen and Patrick)

Studying the placement of electric transmission lines and magnetic fields.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1990; February 2, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6771 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Nelson, Owen, Patrick, Stratton, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7455)

                March 2, 1990

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

In the past several years there has been an increase in the public discussion over the possibility of health effects from electric and magnetic fields.  One common source of these fields is electric power lines.

Several major studies are now in progress in an attempt to better document the potential health effects of these fields.  There appears to be a growing consensus that setting standards for exposure to these fields would be premature until the results of the studies are known.

At the same time, growing areas need to be served by additional electric power lines.  Because of the different properties of electric and magnetic fields, the location of the line can be a major factor in the amount and type of public exposure to these fields.

SUMMARY:

A task force is created to recommend additional research needs for limiting human exposure to electric and magnetic fields from electric transmission and distribution lines.  The task force consists of representatives from the state Energy Office, the Department of Health and the Utilities and Transportation Commission.  The task force is directed to solicit recommendations from utilities and experts within the state's higher education system on ways to limit human exposure to electric and magnetic fields.  The task force is to recommend legislative options and the need, costs and funding options for additional research.  The task force is to report to the Energy and Utilities Committees of the Legislature by January 15, 1991.

Appropriation:  $40,000 from the public service revolving fund to WSEO; $40,000 from the general fund to WSEO

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested January 24, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified:   Senator Lee, prime sponsor; Senator Talmadge, sponsor; Raymond R. Day, Jr., WUTC (con); Tom Manley, CAOPL; Virginia Wilhelmi, CAOPL

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The lead agency of the task force is changed from the State Energy Office to the Department of Health.  The reporting date of the task force is delayed until January 15, 1992.  The $40,000 appropriation from the general fund is changed from an appropriation to the Energy Office to an appropriation to the Department of Health.  The appropriation from the public service revolving fund is stricken.