Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported the final version of a congressional Energy Bill (H.R. 6) that will benefit Washington state and stands in the way of Enron’s ability to further exploit Northwest ratepayers. The bill passed the House by a vote of 275 - 156.

“This Energy Bill deals a bipartisan blow to Enron and hands a victory to Northwest ratepayers by including language to shield Snohomish Public Utility District customers from Enron’s greedy grasp.

“For years our country had a Fred Flintstone energy policy, and we needed a George Jetson policy.  This bill is somewhere in the middle. We’ll call it a Speed Racer in a Hybrid. 

“The Washington delegation successfully fought to make sure this bill did not include language suggested by the administration that would have unfairly moved the Bonneville Power Administration to market-based rates, a decision that could have doubled energy costs in Washington state.

“This energy policy is one that encourages conservation by providing a tax credit of up to $3,400 for the purchase of Hybrid vehicles and $1.3 billion in tax incentives for conservation and energy efficiency.

“The legislation extends through the end of 2007 a tax credit for renewable energy, such as wind resources.  This will specifically help Puget Sound Energy develop wind energy resources that they can affordably provide to consumers. 

“For the first time, the energy bill also creates Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, to support investment in renewable energy resources by governmental entities, including tribes, agencies such as BPA and other public power entities. 

“The legislation also continues the Renewable Energy Production Incentive program that provides direct incentive payments to public power entities that do not qualify for tax credits for renewable electricity production. This will help SnoPUD continue to make renewable energy investments.

“This bill has room for improvement, but it includes many steps in the right direction.”