August 22, 2003 The Honorable Spencer Abraham Dear Secretary Abraham: As you know, the Congress will soon be considering what actions should be taken in response to the electricity blackout that last week plagued my state of Michigan and others, as well as parts of Canada. With respect to the pending House-Senate conference on energy legislation, I look forward to working to get a good bill that can be signed into law as soon as possible. The matters before that conference, however, are numerous and in many cases contentious, and it is difficult to predict how quickly a resolution may be reached. For this reason, I have suggested that as a first step Congress immediately pass targeted legislation to improve the reliability of the transmission system. Otherwise, I am concerned that this important provision may become entangled in protracted discussions on other more controversial issues before the energy conference. While a reliability bill may not address all the factors that contributed to the blackout, this bipartisan, bicameral consensus proposal is a necessary and useful step towards preventing its recurrence. I support Chairman Tauzin’s decision to schedule hearings on the blackout by the Committee on Energy and Commerce when Congress returns in September. I understand that you have been invited to testify on September 3, 2003. In order to assist Members in understanding the causes of last week’s reliability crisis and what actions are needed to prevent future blackouts, I would appreciate your including a response to the following attached questions in your written testimony or, if you prefer, in a separate response provided no later than Tuesday, September 2, 2003. Your assistance in this matter is appreciated and I look forward to your participation in the hearing. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or have your staff contact either Sue Sheridan or Bruce Harris of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Democratic staff at (202) 226-3400. Sincerely, JOHN D. DINGELL
cc: The Honorable W.J. "Billy" Tauzin, Chairman The Honorable Joe Barton,
Chairman The Honorable Rick
Boucher, Ranking Member | |
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