[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 31 (Monday, August 7, 2000)]
[Pages 1783-1784]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Memorandum on Potential Electricity Shortages in California

August 3, 2000

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

Subject:  Potential Electricity Shortages in California

    The increased demand for electricity during summer heat waves can 
make it a challenge for electric utilities to meet the demands of their 
customers. Currently, the supply of electric power is tight in 
California due to record demand for electricity. The State faces the 
possibility of rolling blackouts in some areas. These conditions put 
both consumers and businesses at risk.
    The Federal Government is among the largest consumers of electricity 
in California. It is important that we lead by example in taking energy-
conserving steps to reduce the risk and severity of power outages. 
Therefore, I direct that:
 <bullet>    Managers of Federal buildings in California take steps to 
            reduce consumption of power to the maximum extent 
            practicable consistent with the health and welfare of 
            employees; and,
 <bullet>    Federal agencies coordinate with other State and local 
            government agencies to minimize the use of electricity in 
            all government buildings in California.
    Further, although most of the electricity in the Western United 
States is generated and marketed by privately and publicly owned 
utilities, the Federal Government also generates and markets electricity 
in the region. For the duration of the current power shortage emergency, 
I direct that:
 <bullet>    Federal agencies that generate electricity take all 
            possible measures, consistent with existing laws and 
            regulations, to maximize the amount of electricity that can 
            be delivered to California; and,
 <bullet>    Federal Power Marketing Administrations take all steps 
            necessary to maximize the availability of electricity in 
            California.
    I also direct Federal agencies to work with the State of California 
to develop procedures governing the use of backup power generation in 
power shortage emergencies.
    Although these are important steps that can help reduce the risk of 
power shortages in the short term, we need a more comprehensive approach 
for the long term. I therefore further direct each of you to continue 
working towards the goals of Executive Order 13123, Greening the 
Government Through Efficient Energy Management, and to continue working 
with the Congress on comprehensive electricity restructuring 
legislation, which can promote greater investment in generation and 
transmission facilities, enhance the efficiency of the interstate 
transmission grid, and promote energy efficiency programs.
                                            William J. Clinton

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