WASHINGTON, DC – Concerned about continued delays and a lack of procedural safeguards in refunding money to consumers as a result of the manipulation of California’s energy markets, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) joined Members of the California Delegation in calling for a renewed effort on the part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to follow the evidence gathering guidelines established by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. He issued the following statement on the issue:
“Any settlements reached to reimburse the people of California for the manipulation of our energy market should result from an open process in which all parties, especially consumers, have the opportunity to be heard and all relevant facts considered. Californians deserve no less. I have been frustrated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) lack of willingness to provide such a process. However, I am hopeful that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will agree to clarify the FERC’s responsibilities in keeping with the Court’s August 2002 ruling.”
In August 2002, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that FERC must give all parties in the refund dispute the opportunity to offer new evidence. However, FERC has not lived up to the spirit of that decision. As a result, on May 6, 2004, Congressman Schiff signed an amicus brief with several other California Members of Congress; the brief called for the 9th Circuit to clarify its decision and reiterate its existing remedy.
Congressman Schiff, a former federal prosecutor, is a member of the House Judiciary and International Relations committees. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.