PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS: Shortages of electricity have caused current physical
disruptions, and rolling blackouts to ration energy in
California. The blackouts in California have caused nearly
debilitating harm to the public and businesses there, in
particular to oil refineries and terminals, which, in turn, may
trigger shortages of gasoline, diesel, heating oil, jet fuel and
other petroleum products. California's two largest electricity
utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison
are reported to be insolvent and on the verge of bankruptcy, and
may not be able to pay Washington generators who have sold
substantial amounts of power to them. The crisis in California
threatens the supply and price of electricity in Washington and
other parts of the West Coast, and could affect the solvency of
electricity generators in Washington. We must take all steps
necessary to avoid a crisis of the proportions experienced by
California, a crisis that directly threatens the very foundations
of the entire California economy, vital public services, and the
health and safety of the public.
WHEREAS: The Bonneville Power Administration and private
electrical power generating companies in Washington have begun
extraordinary measures to use electricity reserves by drawing
down their reservoirs beyond normal and raising prices in efforts
to mitigate the electricity shortage.
WHEREAS: Tacoma Public Utilities is facing unprecedented
financial difficulties, and could alleviate its problem with
temporary generators and alternative fuels. Several large
businesses have ceased operations due to the cost of electricity,
putting hundreds of people out of work. Public facilities have
ceased operations due to inability to pay current and projected
power expenses. Conservation efforts by the public and
government have been quite successful, but insufficient to solve
the problem alone.
WHEREAS: Demand for power in Washington is at its highest during
winter months. Citizens of Washington, beginning with vulnerable
people of limited means, may be unable to afford power for basic
heating, lighting and cooking needs, threatening their health and
safety.
WHEREAS: Vital public services are at risk, and immediate steps
must be taken to alleviate social and economic impacts to people
and property. We must operate all electrical generating capacity
necessary to avoid jeopardizing the public health and safety
while doing everything possible to minimize the impact on fish
and our environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, I Gary Locke, Governor of the state of Washington,
find that vital public services, particularly affordable
electrical power are at risk, and there exists a situation that
threatens to disrupt or diminish the supply of energy to the
extent that the public health, safety, and general welfare may be
jeopardized; and find that an energy supply alert exists within
this state; and hereby declare a state of energy supply alert
under Chapters 43.06 and 43.21G RCW. I further direct all state
and local governmental agencies to fully comply with all orders
that may accompany this declaration or that I may issue pursuant
to this declaration as deemed necessary to preserve and protect
the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize,
to the fullest extent possible, the injurious economic, social,
and environmental consequences of this energy supply crisis.
This declaration applies statewide.
| IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the state of Washington to be affixed at Olympia, this 26th day of January, A.D., Two Thousand one. | ||
| Gary Locke Governor of Washington |
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BY THE GOVERNOR:
Secretary of State |
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