Energy

EXTRACTING TOP DOLLAR;

May 15, 2005  ·  Jamie Court

<h3>Refineries clean up, by restricting supply</h3><p class="source">Press Enterprise (Riverside, CA)</p> <p>The recent jump at the pump is not being caused by a shortage of crude oil, but by too few refineries to process that crude into gasoline. In California - where five refiners control 90 percent of the state's gasoline supply - the artificial shortages that result when oil companies shrink refining capacity are particularly profound.</p>

Governor Seeks Consolidation of Energy Agencies;

May 11, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Proposal would create a state Cabinet secretary to oversee policy. Some see the plan as a power grab, others as vital to progress.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a Santa Monica group that frequently opposes the governor, called that proposal "a literal and figurative power grab." "This is a governor who is dead set on removing all independent oversight, and this seems to be an extraordinary move in that direction," Heller said.</p>

Arnold’s Powerpoint

May 9, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">In a Power Point presentation unveiled today, the Gov introduced plans to create a centralized state Energy Department that, among other things, will take away oversight for elements of...</font>

Chevron Doubles Down on LNG Bet

May 6, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">When ChevronTexaco announced its purchase of Unocal on April 4th, <a href="http://www.arnoldwatch.org/blogs/blogs_000683.php3">Arnold Watch noted</a> that the purchase was a bet that Liquefied...</font>

LA Has Chance to Lead Prescription Drug Revolution

May 5, 2005  ·  Jamie Court

<p class="source">KPCC 89.3FM Pasadena, CA</p> <p>If the City Council does the right thing, Los Angeles will be on its way to becoming the only city in the country that negotiates price breaks from drug companies on behalf of its residents. NassauCounty, New York has such a plan and, with roughly a third of LA's population, its residents are already saving 20 percent.</p>

LA Has Chance to Lead Prescription Drug Revolution

May 4, 2005  ·  Jamie Court

<p class="source">KPCC 89.3FM (Pasadena, CA)</p> <p>If the City Council does the right thing, Los Angeles will be on its way to becoming the only city in the country that negotiates price breaks from drug companies on behalf of its residents. NassauCounty, New York has such a plan and, with roughly a third of LA's population, its residents are already saving 20 percent.</p>

Schwarzenegger appoints Republican businessman to PUC

May 3, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Bohn's business relationship with GlobalNet might raise a conflict-of-interest that prevents Bohn from voting on pivotal PUC issues affecting the energy market, said Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a consumer rights group.</p>

Bohn Appointed to Opening on PUC;

May 3, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Critics Site Conflict of Interest with His Current Firm</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>"Bohn has a clear conflict of interest with his current firm," said Doug Heller of the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, adding that the software could be used by traders like the sort who contributed to the 2000-01 energy crisis. "Schwarzenegger should be looking for someone with credentials to be a consumer watchdog, not a captain of industry."</p>

Chevron plans to buy Unocal for $18.4 billion;

April 5, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Deal would bolster East Bay oil giant's strategically located sources of gas, crude</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights said ChevronTexaco had forged close ties with the governor and contributed to his campaign committees.</p>

Chevron-Texaco’s LNG-Gate

April 4, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">Today's announcement of Chevron-Texaco's purchase of Unocal has a back story that could be the biggest scandal of the Schwarzenegger Administration yet. Back in July '04, some of Arnold's top...</font>

ChevronTexaco announces buyout of Unocal

April 4, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">MARKETPLACE - Minnesota Public Radio</p> <p>Mr. JAMIE COURT (Consumer Advocate - FTCR): This merger could have tremendous impact on the future electricity market, and I think it could have an impact on the current gasoline market</p>

Warren Warns Arnold He Could Be Lunch

March 15, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">Warren Beatty concluded his acceptance speech of the 3rd Phillip Burton Public Service Award this weekend by warning Arnold Schwarzenegger:<br/> <br/> "I'd like to be rooting for you. So I'...</font>