Specifically, Issa praised Davis' decision to support modifying air pollution standards to allow on-site generators to operate during peak periods. However, Issa and the other panelists said California won't avoid the crisis's effects of high power prices and blackouts this summer and probably the next. Moreover, they warned not to expect much help from the federal government. Apart from the threat of more blackouts this summer, the huge and rising cost of power is one of the biggest problems facing California. However, panelists such as McSwain, Supervisor Bill Horn and state Sen. Bill Morrow disagreed as to the cause of the price surge.
Scarcity means expensive.
Abundance, plentiful means cheap. Morrow cited statistics showing that of the total new proposed power production in state since 1979, about 4,200 megawatts have been approved, but plants that could have produced 42,000 megawatts have been rejected. But Horn, a Republican representing North County, said the power deficit could be remedied almost immediately if air quality standards were relaxed for California power plants. This would allow existing power plants that are heavier polluters to produce during peak demand periods. Electricity is so important to society that the government has to stop this practice, Horn said.