Caucus Sees Power System Threat Group Calls For Quick Action To Defend Northwest Interests

A new caucus of U.S. House of Representatives members has told Northwest governors they must quickly recommend changes in federal law that will help maintain the region’s energy system.

Legislation that will restructure the nation’s electricity industry could be out of committee by year-end, they say in a letter dated Monday.

“There’s no question that national legislation will affect our regional interests,” says the letter, which was signed by every representative from Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon.

The caucus identified three principles that will guide its actions: keeping the region’s low-cost hydropower at home; making sure the Bonneville Power Administration can repay its Treasury debt; and bipartisanship.

Members say they will work with a transition board appointed by the governors to identify problems and to develop legislative solutions.

“We would appreciate receiving the Board’s assessment of the recommendations requiring federal legislation by no later than June 1, 1997,” they wrote.

Mike Kreidler, Washington’s representative on the board, said the Congressional deadline may be difficult to meet.

Some in the region don’t agree there is a need for any legislation, he said, and others are wary of any measure that will shift costs among various utilities and customer groups.

Montana representative John Etchart said the letter may help underscore the urgency attached to utility deregulation in Washington, D.C., if not in the Northwest.

He said regional interests should be prepared to proceed with administrative solutions that can be implemented without Congressional action, as well as a legislative plan that can be put into play.

, DataTimes