Hackers vandalized Web sites Monday operated by the California Energy Commission and Secretary of State Bill Jones, posting anti-American statements on the sites and in one case a picture of a Chinese flag. Williams Energy agrees to pay but admits no wrongdoing in taking plants offline. The agreement involving the Stringfellow and Casmalia sites ends legal battle. The Bush administration may decide this month on California's controversial request for a waiver allowing the state to bypass federal fuel oxygen requirements, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman told reporters on Tuesday. Gov. Davis' plan for next year faces demands for billions as a reserve and to cushion electricity rate hikes.
Congressman wants to let small producers sell on wholesale market.
Backers say plan would boost supply, but foes see it costing California dearly. Agency chiefs say the federal proposal could also cause more blackouts this summer.