Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) today urged the Northwest Energy Community to keep Intalco and other Washington state businesses viable by working out a strong rate agreement for Direct Service Industries (DSIs). Without an affordable rate for DSIs, Intalco and other energy-dependent companies in Western Washington will likely close or move.

Since coming to Congress in 2001, Larsen has worked tirelessly with stakeholders in order to reopen and keep open the Intalco plant in Ferndale, WA and to save Northwest jobs.

A Larsen aide will read a statement from Larsen at today’s Direct Services Industry open workshop hosted by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) in Portland, OR. The forum focuses on the issue of service to DSIs in the post-2006 period. As part of BPA’s recently released fiscal year 2007-2011 Regional Dialogue Record of Decision, BPA announced the beginning of a public process to gather comments regarding the appropriate 2007-2011 DSI benefit level. This includes details regarding how such benefits should be delivered and criteria to guide BPA in its determination of eligible DSIs.

Larsen’s statement: 

“I am sorry that I cannot be with you all today.  This is an important day for the 2nd Congressional District of Washington that I represent.

“The conversations that you have here today will have real consequences on real people.  Intalco workers have been part of the Northwest family for over 40 years.  I support family wage jobs for the workers of Intalco.  We see the contribution they have made to Northwest industry, feel the impact that they have had on their communities, and fear what will happen to those communities if the jobs disappear.

“These workers want the same opportunities afforded to those who work for other industrial customers. 

“I am not advocating for a better deal for DSIs than what public power will receive.  However, these workers earned their right to be on the system long ago. They should not be treated as outsiders.  I am concerned that a long-term cash deal without real power will not hold up to scrutiny in future years.

“I hope that both short and long-term discussions regarding the future of DSIs will lead to a strong deal to protect these jobs.

“My views are shared by Whatcom County, a solid community partner.  Intalco is also strongly supported by local business, tribal, labor, education, and elected leaders, not to mention the general community that stands by the plant. 

“Intalco has a long history as a BPA customer and has been an integral part of the Northwest’s energy system. 

“Intalco workers and their families have endured a horrible roller coaster ride due to unstable electricity rates.  While the deal worked out in 2001 during the energy crisis to shutter the plant and send the excess electricity to California may have financially been a good deal, these workers were left without jobs for over a year. Additionally, they have been told over the last two years that the plant exists on life-support and could close at any time.  These workers and their families deserve better. Let’s get them off the roller coaster.

“The future of these workers and their families rests on this DSI decision.  For Intalco, their current contract its nearing its end.  It is essential that the plant be given the opportunity to survive so that it can work with BPA and the Northwest power community to find a way for Intalco to operate long into the future.”

Larsen represents the 2nd Congressional District. In Congress, he serves on the Northwest Energy Caucus.