Save the very rich, squeeze the Pacific NW

[IDemo]

Bush budget for Bonneville Power would whack power consumers

Pacific Northwest electric utility customers will see higher rates and a weaker economy under the latest plan proposed last week by the Bush administration for the Columbia River hydropower system.

Coming close on the heels of a similar White House proposal a year ago, this is yet another example of balancing the budget on the backs of ordinary working people.

This scheme for Bonneville Power Administration would skim BPA funds generated by the sale of surplus electricity. Those funds are now reinvested in the Pacific Northwest to improve the hydropower system and keep rates low.

Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington estimates the proposal would equate to a $924 million rate hike in our region over the next decade. The Northwest Power and Conservation Council forecasts a smaller financial impact but a loss of 1,120 jobs if these BPA funds are diverted to the U.S. Treasury. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden likens the Bush plan to loan sharking. “This is economic poison for our region, and we are going to block it,” Wyden said.

http://www.dailyastorian.info/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=31124&TM=62763

[acmejack]

1. More compassion!

These sorry SOBs

[melody]

2. Just fanning the flames of secession already burning bright n/t

[Raster]

4. Cascadian Republic

In Truth We Trust

[catabryna]

3. Kick 'em when they're down!

What, that measly $1.46 billion in voluntary payments to the treasury in the last 5 years just isn't enough?!? :mad:

[rfkrfk]

5. this is a tricky issue

who 'owns' a canyon filled with water
who owns the water?
The entire US paid for the building of this stuff, who owns it now?

I have a similiar complaint about the
billionaire water peers in California

if some 'deal' is reached in 1910,
does that mean the deal is good thru 47234 a.d. ?

[Viva_La_Revolution]

6. Where did we put that secession plan?!

damnit! I've had it! We're already paying $250 a month for electric.

Viva La Californistan!