Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 29, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke's statement on short-term energy price caps

"I am disappointed by today's announcement that the Bush Administration has chosen not to impose temporary price caps on runaway energy prices.

"I respectfully disagree with the Administration's argument that temporary price caps would cause higher energy prices. Temporary price caps would immediately bring down the unjustified prices that some independent power producers are demanding at the expense of our nation's prosperity.

"This is not just a California problem. It is a national problem that requires real and immediate action. We simply cannot dig, drill, burn and pollute our way to energy security.

"While I agree with the Bush Administration that we must address long-term energy issues, the White House so far is ignoring the short-term crisis. I urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to impose short-term, temporary price caps.

"In the meantime, we will work to reduce energy consumption and speed production of new generating plants."

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