Even before this energy crisis hit, there were ominous signs. And that was assuming there were no problems with California's power system. Despite showing leadership on conservation since the energy crisis began last fall, Gov. Gary Locke deserves some blame for our current crisis. He should have seen the warning signs and acted, but he didn't. While there is no question that conservation should be part of our energy policy, we cannot conserve our way to low prices and energy independence.
More power generation has to be a major part of our long-term energy policy.
Senate Republicans recently unveiled an energy package that focuses on increasing power generation capacity in Washington and helping energy consumers on limited incomes. The people hit hardest by the higher energy prices over the past few months are our low-income neighbors and seniors on fixed incomes. Consider Cora, an elderly widow who lives by herself in a small house near Colville. On her fixed income, she is barely able to pay for food, power and energy. Cora said if power and heating prices continue to rise, she would starve or freeze.