SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8019

BYSenators Benitz, Hansen, Newhouse, Stratton, Hayner, Bluechel, Metcalf and Vognild

Requesting Congress to locate the plutonium-238 mission at Hanford.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 16, 1990; January 18, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller (786-7445)

                January 22, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 19, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) at Hanford is a multi-purpose research reactor plant.  On line since 1982, the FFTF has operated at 97 percent efficiency.  Because of its versatile design, several irradiation test programs can be conducted concurrently.

The United States Department of Energy is considering where to locate the plutonium-238 production mission.  The plutonium-238 mission is focused on isotope production for long-range space missions of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

SUMMARY:

The United States Department of Energy is urged to continue the present mission of the Fast Flux Test Facility, and to locate the plutonium-238 mission at the reactor plant.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Marie Harris, Westinghouse Hanford (pro); Gerald Pollet, Heart of America Northwest (pro)