Electric power lines in California’s Mojave Desert. (Hyoung Chang, Denver Post file)
Last month, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a sensible piece of legislation called the Ratepayer Protection Act. If it becomes law, this bill would empower state leaders, including Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper, to opt out of a new federal regulation misleadingly called the Clean Power Plan. Despite its name, the CPP would be nothing more than a radical reshaping of the way Colorado generates electricity, and would result in higher electricity prices — and the threat of blackouts or brownouts — for consumers or businesses across the state.
The Ratepayer Protection Act would help Colorado avoid these economic disruptions; unfortunately, Rep. Diana DeGette opposes the bill. Her misguided opposition means she is working to raise electricity prices, and destroy jobs, in Colorado. Readers who disagree with the congresswoman’s decision should reach out to her office to share their disappointment — and to tell her they support affordable electricity and economic vitality.
Terry Jarrett, Jefferson City, Mo.
The writer is a former member of the Missouri Public Service Commission.
This letter was published in the May 9 edition.
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