Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement on the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) announced Record of Decision that will provide Direct Service Industries (DSIs) with a set number of megawatts per year and a $59 million dollar cap on benefits. Alcoa, a DSI, and its aluminum smelter plant in Ferndale, WA, would be affected by this cap.

“Over the past few years, I have worked closely with Alcoa’s officials and the Intalco workers in order to help save good-paying jobs in Whatcom County.

“It wasn’t that long ago that the doors almost permanently closed at the Ferndale Intalco smelter. But we worked hard to keep the ball in the air, and we were able to save jobs.

“Now we are facing another challenge, and it is absolutely critical that we continue to keep the ball in the air in order to keep the jobs we saved. I will keep urging BPA and Alcoa to find solutions to long-term energy costs that provide long-term stability for our workers and our ratepayers.

“I’m going to do everything I can here at home and in Congress to help get Intalco workers and their families off of the energy rate roller coaster and onto solid, job-safe ground.”