Begich Reacts to Stevens’ Legislative Address

Says Stevens helped create “energy crisis” mentioned in speech

U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich today said he was surprised to hear Sen. Ted Stevens say the country is in the worst energy crisis since World War II, yet Stevens failed to take responsibility for what he’s done as senator to help create that crisis.

Specifically, Begich called on Stevens to acknowledge he has supported legislation to deregulate energy futures, a move that has helped push the current high energy costs paid by Alaska families.

“Sen. Stevens has had several chances to crack down on oil speculators that are helping drive up the price of oil and he hasn’t done it,” Begich said. “It’s important to remember the votes he has taken that are costing Alaskans every day as they work to fuel their vehicles and heat their homes.”

In December 2000, the “Enron Loophole” was inserted into the Consolidated Appropriations Act at the last minute while Stevens was Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. The provision deregulated the energy markets by exempting electronic energy trades from federal regulation. The provision bypassed the usual committee hearing and vote process and was streamlined into the legislation by Stevens.

In 2002, Stevens voted against an amendment that would have provided regulatory oversight of energy trading markets. In 2003, Stevens voted against two amendments to protect electric ratepayers from manipulation of energy market and ensure consumers are protected from false information. Then again this spring, Stevens voted against the Consumer-First Energy Act which would have taken immediate steps to lower out-of-control gas prices.

 Begich released his own energy plan a month ago calling for continued oil and gas exploration in Alaska, moving the Alaska natural gas pipeline forward, increased investment in renewable resources such as wind, hydro and geothermal, along with targets for energy efficiency and conservation.

“I’m glad to see Sen. Stevens agree with me about the importance of energy efficiency and innovation, but that’s not the agenda he’s been pushing for the past 40 years. It took an election year to get him talking about the real needs of Alaska families.”

You can read the Begich energy plan at www.begich.com.