Energy

Shell plan to close refinery may be off;

August 13, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>An oil-industry publication says deal with state would keep facility open until sale can be worked out.</h3><p class="source">The Orange County Register (California)</p> <p>Critics disputed each of Shell's explanations. Internal documents released in June by U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, show that the Bakersfield plant earned an after-tax profit averaging $3 million over the past five years.</p>

Shell delays closure of Bakersfield oil refinery

August 13, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Jamie Court, a consumer activist with FTCR, hailed Shell's decision as a "major victory for consumers. I don't know of another instance in which an oil refiner has yielded to pressure from legislators and consumers to keep their refinery open."</p>

Shell May Postpone Closing of Refinery

August 13, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Lawmakers and other critics have said they believe Shell wants to close the refinery to tighten fuel supplies and boost retail prices in California, increasing profit at its Wilmington and Martinez plants. The Federal Trade Commission is investigating She</p>

Report: Shell gives in to state

August 13, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Company agrees to postpone closing its Bakersfield refinery so buyers can be found.</h3><p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>"If it's true, it's a big victory for consumers and for regulators," said consumer advocate Jamie Court of FTCR in Santa Monica. "It looks like Shell's finally conceding it's a very profitable refinery and prospects for sale are good."</p>

State Official Blasts Energy Bill;

August 11, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Schwarzenegger is said to be in agreement with the opposition to the revised measure.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>"We certainly are gratified that the speaker has removed the deregulation elements from this energy bill because Californians have no desire to head down memory lane with energy policy," said Douglas Heller, executive director of FTCR.</p>

Power demand sets record;

August 11, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>ENERGY BILL UNDER DEBATE</h3><p class="source">San Jose Mercury News (California)</p> <p>With California still reeling from its disastrous foray into electricity markets, Democratic lawmakers and consumer advocates are leery of restoring deregulation features such as letting big businesses shop around for the lowest power rates.</p>

Governor’s office airs criticism of energy bill;

August 11, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Secretary says consumers wouldn't be able to choose</h3><p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>"The governor's plan is a prescription for instability because it relies on unregulated energy suppliers and the same federal regulators who failed to protect us during the electricity crisis," said Doug Heller, executive director of FTCR.</p>

State winning this time in power game;

August 8, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>New power plants, conservation get credit for reaching record July demands</h3><p class="source">The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA)</p> <p>"The energy industry always wants us to think that we're on the edge of another blackout, but we're really not even close," said Doug Heller of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a nonprofit advocacy group.</p>

State Officials Tour LNG Sites With Energy Execs

August 2, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said "If this was an important policy trip, the governor should have had the state pay for it, and they didn't need to stay at the Four Seasons hotel."</p>

Pare down, state urged;

July 31, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Governor's task force likely to recommend slashing jobs, board posts and agencies.</h3><p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Consumer advocates have some concerns that eliminating some boards and commissions could make the regulatory process more secretive or give a governor too much power.</p>

New report proposes sweeping overhaul of state government

July 31, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Doug Heller, a consumer advocate with the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said he doesn't oppose making government more efficient, but criticized the secrecy behind the report.</p>

Chevron Profit Soars

July 31, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Consumer advocates and critics have claimed the oil giants are using the Iraq war and supply concerns as "scapegoats" for high prices that are actually due to market manipulation.</p>