SJM 8012.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/12/01)

     Requests that the President of the United States, the Department of Energy, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission take strong short-term measures to reduce wholesale costs throughout the western United States.

     Requests that Congress assure that the northwest utilities that sent power to the State of California under federal mandates will be fully compensated, for the electricity they sent in response to the orders, through federal guarantees or guarantees through the State of California.

     Requests that the new administration act immediately to develop and implement a long-term strategy to reform the wholesale energy market to avoid continued price spikes that threaten to undermine the prosperity of the western United States.

     Requests that the new administration commit to provide necessary assistance to low-income citizens who are most at risk from volatile energy prices.

     Requests that the new administration commit to allowing Western states to work out the energy supply needs of the region through existing working relationships, and that no additional orders instructing all surplus power be sold to California be made.