[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 170 (Tuesday, October 31, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H11463-H11464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RATEPAYER PROTECTION ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida [Mr. Stearns] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that 
will, I believe, begin the process of examination of the electric 
industry. My bill would repeal prospectively section 210 of the Public 
Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. This legislation is only one 
of many important aspects of the electric industry that must be 
explored and opened up for discussion. I am hopeful that this 
legislation serves as an instigator of a much larger debate. I now have 
15 cosponsors. It is a bipartisan bill.
  My only interest in introducing this bill lies in achieving the most 
efficient and most cost-effective means of electric generation for 
America's ratepayers. Prospective repeal of PURPA 

[[Page H11464]]

represents a positive step in that direction. It is important to note 
that PURPA is a mandate, regardless of its intent. It substitutes 
government intervention where the marketplace should dictate. 
Furthermore, PURPA has not jump-started the renewable energy generation 
industry as was the act's intent--only 6 percent of PURPA generated 
power comes from nonrenewables.
  Nonetheless, there are other important concerns surrounding the 
repeal of PURPA. It is important to note that, just as I support 
deregulation through the repeal of PURPA, I also support the notion of 
more comprehensive Federal deregulation legislation that would provide 
for greater and freer competition in power generation.
  I truly understand the concerns of those in opposition to my bill--I 
recognize that their industry has come about largely because of PURPA. 
I also recognize that not all PURPA generators abuse the system. In 
fact, a Georgia-Pacific plant located in my district generates its own 
power from the plant's waste, but sells none back into the system. In 
this instance, PURPA encouraged innovation and self-sufficiency, a 
notion that I strongly believe in: It is the American way. But the 
American way does not rely on a mandate; it dictates deregulation over 
regulation.
  House Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Dan Schaefer has 
indicated that he intends to hold a series of hearings on the variety 
of issues involved in electricity deregulation and reform. I support 
his efforts and look forward to the opportunity to finally address 
these important issues.
  Indeed, by introducing this legislation today, I believe that I am 
helping to initiate debate, not only on this important issue, but on 
the whole gamut of issues surrounding the regulation of the electric 
generation industry. I am anxious to work with Chairman Schaefer, 
Chairman Bliley, the House Committee on Commerce, and all other 
interested parties as Congress moves forward with its comprehensive 
examination of this industry.
  Everyone will agree that we must begin to explore a move toward an 
electricity industry that is based on competition, market force, and 
lower prices for ratepayers. This is certainly my objective as I 
introduce this necessary first piece of electricity reform legislation.

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