Political Quotes

“I rise in support of S. 2071. S. 2071 will promote the reliability of our electric power grid. I strongly support the enactment of this legislation, but there should be no misunderstanding that it does only part of the job of protecting consumers. It establishes enforceable rules for the use of the interstate transmission grid, but it does not stimulate the construction of new generation and transmission. New transmission and generation are essential if we are going to avoid electricity shortages this summer and in the future. While it is too late to avoid the problems this summer, if we start now it is not too late for the future. The best way to ensure that consumers have a reliable and reasonably-priced supply of electricity is through comprehensive legislation-- which addresses other impediments to competition. Along with provisions to stimulate construction of new generation and transmission, it is essential that we repeal both the Public Utility Holding Company Act, PUHCA, and the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, PURPA. Both PUHCA and PURPA have long out-lived their usefulness, and they are now hurting both consumers and competition.”