Ron Wyden: “I commend the Senator from Nevada for the excellent statement on the importance of renewable energy. He and Senator…”

“I commend the Senator from Nevada for the excellent statement on the importance of renewable energy. He and Senator Jeffords have really made the case. I want it understood that I very much share Senator Reid's views with respect to renewable energy. He and Senator Jeffords have really been our leaders. This amendment would establish within the Department of Justice the Office of Consumer Advocacy. This is especially important right now because our Nation's electric power system is undergoing dramatic changes. New sources of power are produced by State-regulated utility companies. Unregulated power marketers are providing an increasing share of new power generation in this country. At the State level, many States--in fact, the majority of the States--have put in place consumer advocates whose job it is to stand up for the energy ratepayer. The fact is that across this country, in the last year, America's energy consumers--particularly senior citizens and small businesses--have many millions of dollars taken from their pockets.”