Political Quotes

“I wish to voice my opposition to any efforts to privatize parts of the Federal Power Marketing Administrations including the Southwestern, Southeastern, or Western Area Power Administration. This Nation made a commitment to bring affordable and efficient hydroelectric power to rural customers. In conjunction with thousands of rural cooperatives and municipal power systems across the country, Federal Power Marketing Administrations [PMA's] have met that commitment. The utilities purchase power through the PMA's and the revenues cover PMA operating expenses, construction costs, and interest payments. And these sales put money into the Federal Treasury. The proposed sale of these PMA's not only jeopardizes that commitment to rural Americans, but upsets the sensitive dynamics of the many dam projects from which the PMA's market their power. These dams perform an array of services, including power generation, navigation, flood control, water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife preservation. As a government entity PMA's have effectively balanced these sometimes diverse, and often competing functions. As several colleagues and I told President Clinton in a letter back in January, there is no indication that a private, for-profit entity can be expected to become a full-partner in these interests at an almost certain loss of profits. And what about the consumer? They essentially lose twice.…”