FINAL BILL REPORT

SHJM 4023

BYHouse Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Representatives Jesernig, Hankins, Brooks, Baugher, Grant, Bristow, Nelson, Brekke, Unsoeld, Rust, Walker, Pruitt, Jacobsen, Sprenkle, Rayburn, Wineberry, Todd, B. Williams, C. Smith, Crane, Schoon, Winsley, Doty, Spanel, Silver, Hine and Holm)

Petitioning Congress to pursue the cleanup and disposal of radioactive wastes at Hanford.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

BACKGROUND:

National defense activities involving nuclear materials have been ongoing on the Hanford Reservation for over 40 years.  A consequence has been the accumulation of substantial quantities of radioactive wastes, some of which are very hazardous.  These wastes currently are in non-permanent storage and, accordingly, pose a potential threat to future generations.  There are hazardous chemical wastes as well as radioactive wastes in non- permanent storage, posing a similar threat.

SUMMARY:

Congress is asked to pursue cleanup of the Hanford Reservation by appropriating sufficient funds on a continuing basis as recommended by the Washington State Nuclear Waste Board and the Northwest Citizens Forum on Defense Waste.  This congressional action should include consideration of establishing a defense waste trust fund.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 95   0

      Senate    44     0(Senate amended)

      House 96   0(House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 26, 1987