California Democratic Congressional Delegation Outraged Over Enron Tapes
Cite Further Evidence of Price Gouging; Call on the Administration to “Get a Clue”
Media Contact: Heather Wong, 202.225.3072
Members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation today issued the following statements in response to the CBS News report of telephone transcripts filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, implicating Enron Corp. traders of manipulating the California power market:
"Californians have known for years that Enron engaged in blatant market manipulation that cost our state billions in lost dollars, lost time, and lost energy, but still the Bush administration has done nothing to ensure that the debt is repaid.” Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D- San Jose) said. “Well, now we have Enron on tape saying 'It was us, in the library, with the candlestick' -- so maybe the White House will finally get the Clue."
“This is further evidence of fraudulent actions by Enron and other energy companies that ruthlessly price gouged western families,” said Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles).
“These tapes and transcripts should finally end the myth that the Western energy crisis was about supply and demand and free markets,” Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) said. “It was about gaming, greed, and gouging by Enron and other energy suppliers. But unless substantial refunds are ordered by FERC, this will only be bitter vindication that Western Democrats were right from the beginning.”
"These tapes demonstrate the blatant manipulation orchestrated by out-of-state power companies on California’s energy market. Enron and every energy company who benefited from their criminal action should be forced to give back the money owed to California,” Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) said. “Unfortunately, the Bush Administration has been unwilling to force these companies to give Californians their money back."
“The Enron tapes released today are more proof that Californians were manipulated by fraudulent behavior and price gouging by several power companies. Four years after the energy crisis, consumers are without the nearly $9 billion they rightfully deserve. The energy crisis will not be over until California consumers receive the money owed them and corporations like Enron are brought to justice,” said Rep. Hilda L. Solis (D-Los Angeles).
"This is a smoking gun of criminal intent," said Rep. Susan Davis (D-San Diego). "What more does FERC need to act on this clear intent to bilk the public? Enron must be held accountable to people whose health suffered from sweltering in heat waves and businesses that closed because they couldn't pay their electric bills."
"The tapes are so clear that maybe even the Federal Enron Rubber-Stamp Commission (FERC) will finally take action to restore California it's lost billions," said Rep. Bob Filner (D-San Diego).
