Patty Murray: “I have spoken in the past about my commitment to continuing the production and distribution of clean, reliable…”

“I have spoken in the past about my commitment to continuing the production and distribution of clean, reliable hydropower through Federal Power Marketing Administrations. Today, I reaffirm this commitment. The Federal power program has served well both the taxpaying public and energy consumers. It serves the taxpaying public by paying its own way--and paying interest on its debt. It also serves the general public by providing navigation, flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife conservation, and irrigation. Few Federal programs can claim such far-reaching benefits at such a low cost. Mr. President, if we sell our PMA's, we cannot be assured that the general public will continue to reap these many benefits. While the sale of PMA's would produce short-term revenue, the sale will do little to solve the long-term problem of our Nation's debt. In fact, the permanent loss of these productive assets will result in foregoing future revenues likely to be in the billions of dollars. At this time, the Bonneville Power Administration is not immediately threatened with sale.”