Cord Byrd: “the State of California has been beset by an energy crisis. We see daily reports of rolling blackouts, epidemic…”

“the State of California has been beset by an energy crisis. We see daily reports of rolling blackouts, epidemic shortages of electricity, and, most recently, utility rate hikes, which for some customers could mean a forty percent increase in their electric bill. And, as bad as things are now, it is only going to get worse this summer when the weather heats up and demand for electricity increases. Moreover, the problems being faced today in California are not limited to that state. On the contrary, this crisis threatens other parts of the country as well. Given that situation, one would think that policymakers here in Washington would be focused like a laser on the idea of increasing energy supplies while at the same time trying to stem demand. The Bush Administration is working to put together a national energy policy. But, until the President's Energy Task Force completes its work and reports to the American people, the only guidance we have from the Administration is that which can be gleaned from official statements and the sparse information contained in the so-called Budget Blueprint. Mr. President, I am deeply concerned with where this Administration is going, because what I hear with my ears is not the same as what I read with my eyes.”