Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 18, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke's statement on FERC ruling

"I am pleased that FERC and President Bush are finally willing to consider what I have been advocating for six months. At first glance, I am encouraged by the apparently positive steps that FERC has taken today to bring stability to western energy markets.

"Despite the recent drop in wholesale energy prices, the energy markets continue to be subject to price volatility. Without price regulation, we can expect that in the coming months we'll once again see unjustified high prices at the expense of our nation's prosperity. I sincerely hope that FERC's extension of mitigation to all western states through September 2002 will bring relief to Washington citizens and businesses, many of whom are struggling in the face of higher electricity bills.

"It would be premature for me to comment further until I have a chance to review the FERC ruling in full and analyze precisely what it means. In the meantime, Washington state, as well as other western states are working to reduce energy consumption and speed construction of new generating facilities."

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