Lisa Murkowski: “the utility industry is undergoing drastic change as a result of deregulation. I know that municipal utilities are…”

“the utility industry is undergoing drastic change as a result of deregulation. I know that municipal utilities are concerned about the tax-exempt status of their outstanding debt if they enter the competitive market. I also know that investor-owned utilities are concerned about municipal utilities using their tax-exempt debt and their tax-exempt status to gain an unfair competitive advantage. In addition, there are a host of issues relating to how electric cooperatives will fare in the emerging competitive marketplace. I believe that we need to re-examine the Tax Code to determine how best to ensure a level playing field in the era of electricity deregulation and competition. Because of the importance of this issue to consumers, investors, the electric power industry, and to our economy, as I told Treasury Secretary Rubin in an April 22 letter, I believe this is a matter for Congress, not the IRS, to decide.”