Move to Recall California Gov. Gray Davis Ignores GOP Role in Energy Companies' Robbing of State's Consumers
Interview with Tyson Slocum, research director of Public Citizen's Critical Mass Energy Program, conducted by Melinda Tuhus
While almost every state in the U.S. is suffering from a major budget crisis, California's budget meltdown dwarfs other states' problems. California is facing a shortfall of up to $35 billion, more than most states' entire budgets. This crisis has prompted a move to recall Gov. Gray Davis, and his opponents are close to having enough signatures verified to accomplish this goal. If Davis is recalled, a special election for governor will be held in which Davis will run again and potentially face Republican Congressman Darrel Issa, who has declared his intention to run. The election itself will cost $30 million, money which is not in the state budget.
One of the main reasons Davis opponents give for the recall move is his handling of the state's 2000-2001 energy crisis. Lost in the politicking over the recall is the role of Enron and other energy companies in manipulating the energy market to their advantage, leading to great financial hardship for consumers in the state.
Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Tyson Slocum, research director for Public Citizen's Critical Mass Energy program. He talks about Governor Davis' role in the energy crisis, the involvement of his predecessor Pete Wilson in pushing through electricity deregulation and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's lack of oversight of the energy supply during the crisis.
Contact Public Citizen by calling (202) 588-1000, or visit their website at www.citizen.org
Related links:
"Utility Greed, Not Power Shortage, Root Cause of California's Deregulation Disaster" Between The Lines interview with Harvey Wasserman, energy activist, Feb. 9, 2001
"California's Deregulation Disaster," The Nation, Jan. 25, 2001
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