SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8000
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Water, Energy & Telecommunications, January 30, 2007
Higher Education, February 22, 2007
Brief Description: Requesting the restoration of funding for the study and observation of the global atmospheric transport of pollution.
Sponsors: Senators Shin, Kastama, Fairley, Kauffman, Marr, Murray, Spanel, Oemig, Franklin, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Berkey, Hobbs, Pridemore, Kline and Tom.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Water, Energy & Telecommunications: 1/30/07 [w/oRec-HIE].
Higher Education: 2/22/07 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, ENERGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Shin, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Delvin, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey and Sheldon.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: Asian dust storms have occurred for centuries. The storms begin in the dry
regions of northern China and Mongolia and blow across Korea and Japan. The dust storms have
increased in intensity since the 1950s. In addition, Asia is rapidly industrializing with factories,
power plants, and automobiles sending pollutants into the air.
Researchers from the University of Washington and Oregon State University have studied long-range transport and sources of pollution and dust across the Pacific Ocean. The researchers
measure levels of pollutants on the ground at monitoring stations at Cheeka Peak, Neah Bay, and
at Mount Bachelor Observatory in Oregon. In addition, they measure and observe dust and
pollutants from small aircrafts.
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) National Center for Environmental Research's
Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program used to provide funding for opportunities to
studying atmospheric transport of global pollution sources. The EPA no longer funds this
activity.
Summary of Bill: The President of the United States and Congress are petitioned to restore funding to the EPA's National Center for Environmental Research's STAR program for providing research grant opportunities to study atmospheric transport of global pollution sources.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Water, Energy & Telecommunications): None.
Persons Testifying (Water, Energy & Telecommunications): No one.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Higher Education): PRO: Yellow sand blowing over from the Gobi Desert is a serious problem effecting the entire United States. The first step is to study the problem so that we can develop strategies to address it. There are environmental and human affects caused by atmospheric pollutants. This is very important in Washington because of our proximity.
Persons Testifying (Higher Education): PRO: Senator Shin, prime sponsor; David Reidmiller,
University of Washington Department of Atmospheric Sciences.