SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6771

BYSenators 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)

                February 2, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & UTILITIES, FEBRUARY 2, 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, areas that are growing 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:

The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is directed to study, by January 1, 1991, the feasibility of developing optional methods of locating electric transmission and distribution lines with an emphasis on minimizing human exposure to electric and magnetic fields.  The study is to consider costs associated with different options.

The UTC is directed to consult with utilities and experts within the state's higher education system regarding the study.

The study is to be reported to the Energy and Utilities Committees of the Legislature by January 15, 1991.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

A task force is created to recommend additional research needs for minimizing 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 UTC.  The task force is to recommend 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.

The appropriation is changed from $100,000 from the public service revolving fund to $40,000 from the general fund and $40,000 from the public service revolving fund.

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