News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 7, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke's statement on production curtailment at Tacoma plant

"The curtailment of production at Pioneer Companies, Inc. and the resulting loss of some 80 jobs due to soaring energy costs demonstrates the continuing economic impact of the energy crisis in Washington and shows dramatically why we need the federal government to stabilize the Western electricity market.

"Protecting Washington's jobs and businesses is exactly why I've personally worked so hard to find ways to help companies such as Avista Corp., BP-Amoco and Chehalis Power Limited produce new electricity. In these negotiations, Avista, BP-Amoco and others also are agreeing to go to extraordinary efforts to protect the state's air quality.

"While our efforts will mean another 1,500 megawatts of electricity in upcoming months, the federal government still holds the key to ending this West Coast power crisis. It must act now to stabilize the energy market."

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