Green Party on Utility Bailout

* The Green Party of Ventura County strongly opposes any rate increase to bail out the electric utility companies, which are entirely and solely responsible for the mess they are in.

Five years ago, these same companies spent millions of dollars lobbying to free themselves from state regulations, promising lower rates through increased competition. They were given $17 billion in compensation for antiquated plants and equipment, spent millions of dollars on an elaborate Rose Parade float, continue to pay their executives lavish salaries.

Now, through fraudulent accounting methods, they threaten bankruptcy while electricity producers show very ample profits.

The only viable, long-term solution to the crisis in energy production, indeed an essential step in saving the Earth from the potential effects of global warming, is immediate and massive research into and development of renewable energy resources.

NORMAN EAGLE

Oxnard