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Consumer Watchdog

Energy

Energy and utility watchdog coverage — gas prices, oil-industry profits, utility rates, and clean-energy accountability.
Arnold’s Powerpoint

Arnold’s Powerpoint

<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

Chevron Doubles Down on LNG Bet

<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

LA Has Chance to Lead Prescription Drug Revolution

<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

LA Has Chance to Lead Prescription Drug Revolution

<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

Schwarzenegger appoints Republican businessman to PUC

<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;

Bohn Appointed to Opening on PUC;

<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;

Chevron plans to buy Unocal for $18.4 billion;

<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

Chevron-Texaco’s LNG-Gate

<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

ChevronTexaco announces buyout of Unocal

<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

Warren Warns Arnold He Could Be Lunch

<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>
Committee spearheads governor’s reform efforts

Committee spearheads governor’s reform efforts

<p class="source">Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (Ontario, CA)</p> <p>"Citizens to Save California is comprised of neither citizens, nor are they going to save California," said Carmen Balber, a spokeswoman for FTCR, based in Santa Monica. "It represents the largest industry interests in California, most of whom are also</p>