S-3962               _______________________________________________

                                    SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 133

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1986 Regular Session

By Senator Williams

Read first time 1/24/86 and referred to Committee on Energy & Utilities.

WHEREAS, Under federal law up to one-half of the low-level radioactive waste disposed of nationally over the next seven years is designated for disposal in Washington; and

          WHEREAS, Washington is one of three states with sites under consideration for designation as the national high-level radioactive waste repository; and

          WHEREAS, Despite some attempts to regulate the transportation of radioactive wastes, from 1971 to 1982, nearly one hundred twenty-five reported transportation accidents involving radioactive materials occurred nationally, twelve of which involved the release of radiation; and

          WHEREAS, Washington along with other states are developing standards and regulations to assure the safe transport of radioactive materials, including radioactive waste; and

          WHEREAS, An accident involving the transportation of radioactive waste could have a devastating effect on the people and environment of this region;

          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the state of Washington, the House of Representatives concurring, That we urge the Governor to initiate discussions with other states toward regional planning for radioactive materials transportation, including development of uniform laws and regulations and development of a regional emergency response plan.