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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (March 13, 1981)
Governor defends regional power bill rw Emerald graphic Society can change says student activist Students can change the country if they can only get together, according to an or ganizer for Students United for Political Action. “There are over 100 student groups on this campus, but they're all focused on their in dividual concerns," Brad Passenger said at an organiza tional meeting for the groups Wednesday. He told the 11-person audience he hopes SUPA will become a coalition of student groups. “If we can pick one issue relevant to each of those groups, bring those groups together, they would have tremendous power.” United States involvement in El Salvador is of particular in terest, Passenger said. Uniting groups like minority student un ions to protest the issues can change the course of events, he said. If Ronald Reagan receives thousands of telegrams, he’ll have to consider their message, Passenger said. "Although, he might not think much about it if he knows it’s from a group of students,” Pas senger said. “He doesn't think much of students. “But we need to get students working toward one goal. We’re tempting fate with this El Sal vador business.” Students may be the only people with the power to bring about change, he said “Once you get a job you’re locked into the system. You’ve bought into the economy.” ^jjy|^^^ishbowI II ^ ■ mi 111 n' \ « Fishbowl hours: 8:30-11:00 Deli open 11-7 Mon Sat 12-6 Sun Grill open 2-7:30 Mon-Fri k By GREG WASSON Of the Emerald In 1978, Oregonians ap proved the construction-works in-progress initiative, prohibit ing utilities from charging for plants that aren’t yet producing power. Now, the regional energy act seems to allow utilities to charge Oregon consumers for construction of generating facilities in other states. At a press conference Thurs day, Gov. Vic Atiyeh was asked if he would support a lawsuit challenging the practice if Oregon consumers are charged for construction costs of plants in other states. "I’d have to look at it before I answer your question, however, the regional bill does give additional Oregonians the ad vantage of cheap hydro power,” Atiyeh said. "The con cept of the measure was a mat ter of rates and the matter of costs to us.” Not so, says one anti-nuclear lobbyist. “The concept of the initiative was that we no longer want utilites to gamble with our mon ey,” he explains. “If Washing ton utilities are allowed to do what we stopped Oregon com panies from doing, doesn’t that violate the spirit of the law?” The governor doesn’t think so. “Oregon law has not been subverted,” Atiyeh said. "Con struction works in progress and the measure banning nuclear power in Oregon (approved in November) are still premier. Now, the fact that someone somewhere else is going to have a nuclear plant and send that power to the line, I don't see as muling Oregon's intention.” At this, Atiyeh was asked how siting decisions mean anything if Oregon money is used else where to finance nuclear power. "I don’t agree with your conclu sion, and I’m not going to argue it here,” he said. Rep. Wayne Fawbush, D Hood River, head of the House Energy Committee, said "If the BPA agrees to buy the two nu clear plants on the drawing board in Washington, Oregon’s prohibition against putting con struction works in progress in the rate base seems to say that Oregon consumers couldn’t be charged anything for those plants until they are turned on.” But, as Assistant Public Utility Commissioner Roy Hemming way explains, "The issue of construction works in progress is a two-fold question. First, what happens to the interest costs that are incurred during a plant construction? And second, what happens to so called dry holes where a plant never comes on line? “Now, the Oregon law says that both costs are to be ex cluded from the rates. But, the regional bill allows the BPA to purchase power and put those costs to the sale price for the rest of the region. “So, if Portand General Elec tric and Pacific Power and Light buy power from BPA, it’s possi ble that some of the costs in cluded in those power rates would be cost prohibited by Oregon law.’’ At that point, says Hemming way, the commissioner can say it’s not his job to look at the costs that went into that power and allow utilities to pay what ever price BPA is asking. “On the other hand, the Oregon law says that if PGE builds a plant, it would not be able to recover those costs.” CURRENT Legislative Happenings House Bill 2456 - Gives campus police officers the authority of peace officers when on duty. (This gives campus police the authority to carry guns and make arrests.) House Bill 2074 - Establishes state daycare financial aid for low-income undergraduate student parents with dependent children. For further information on these and other student related Bills, contact Rich Wilkins or Chuck Pfliiger at the ASUO office, Suite 4, EMU. Ext. 3724 ‘ You’re invited to a party... FRIDAY the 13th COSTUME CONTEST Come and join us in the woods for lots of fun and a good crazy time. There’s. . . 25c Beer for those in costumes Prizes given to First 50 with costumes $25 Gift Certificate for Best Costume FREE cover for first 100 people Beer and wine 25c for everyone 8-9 J.D. Black Band formerly THE REAL COUNTRY BAND comes to the WOODSIDE with a COUNTRY-ROCK night Cover $1.00 woodside brewery JOIN US IN THE WOODS 2165 West 11th • Eugene • 485-4029
