22 May 2002 The Honorable Frank Murkowski Dear Senator Murkowski: The IEEE-USA would like to urge your continued support for the electric power reliability amendment (the Thomas amendment; Title II Sec. 206) to the Energy Policy Act of 2002 as it goes through conference. This language is vital to promoting and ensuring the sustained reliability of the electric grid in the United States and throughout North America. IEEE-USA represents approximately 240,000 electrical, electronic and computer engineers in the USA. Its Energy Policy Committee, consisting of members with expertise in all aspects of electrical power, generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization, agree that there are at least three major areas of concern with the present state of the country's electrical grid:
The Thomas reliability language is essential and urgently needed soon to provide a legislative foundation for the reliability of electric power through a self-managing industry reliability organization with the power to set standards for quality and reliability. With the exception of minor technical and clarifying changes that may be appropriate, we urge you and your fellow H.R. 4 conferees to adopt section 206 of H.R. 4 as approved by the Senate. Retaining this language in the energy bill is a must to protect the reliability of the North American transmission grid. Reliable electric power is critical to the economy, the environment, and national security. Without this language, consumers are exposed to increased risk of power outages and blackouts and widespread failure of the transmission grid as more and more demands are placed upon it by restructuring. Thank you for your support and action. Sincerely, LeEarl A. Bryant, P.E. (Same letter sent to Sens. Bingaman, Domenici and Reid) | Top of Page | Policy Log | Public Policy Forum | IEEE-USA | Last Update:
26 April 2002 Copyright ©
2002, The
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