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                                ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL NO. 6771

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State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1990 Regular Session

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

Read first time 2/2/90.

AN ACT Relating to magnetic fields; creating new sections; and making appropriations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that as studies are continued into the possible health effects from electric and magnetic fields, utilities are placed in a difficult position when considering the placement of additional electric transmission and distribution lines.  The legislature further finds that as certain parts of the state experience high rates of growth, continued demand for power will likely result in an increasing need for electric transmission and distribution facilities, and that additional options may be needed for locating these lines.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     The electric transmission research needs task force is hereby created, consisting of the director, or a designee of the state energy office, the director, or a designee of the department of health and the chair, or a designee of the utilities and transportation commission.  The state energy office shall serve as the lead agency of the task force.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     The electric transmission research needs task force shall recommend, by January 1, 1991, research needs for limiting human exposure to electric and magnetic fields from electric transmission and distribution lines.  The recommendations shall take into account the costs associated with needed research.  The task force shall solicit recommendations from utility representatives and other experts, including the state's higher education system, on engineering techniques and ways to limit human exposure to electric and magnetic fields.  The recommendations shall include options for legislative action and options for funding such research.  The task force shall report to the energy and utilities committees of the house of representatives and the senate by January 15, 1991.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.     The sum of forty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, from the general fund to the state energy office for the purposes of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.     The sum of forty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1991, from the public service revolving fund to the state energy office for the purposes of this act.