Energy

$84 million PG&E pay on the way

January 3, 2004  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times (California)</p> <p>"This would make Enron blush," said Doug Heller of FTCR. Heller said PG&E's gains depended on the bailout. "In a sick and cynical way, these executives were successful in that they were able to manipulate the bankruptcy law and our regulatory system</p>

What’s Driving ChevronTexaco’s $500,000 Investment in the GOP?

December 11, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">ChevronTexaco's recent half-million dollar gift to the Republican party after years of giving only small change may be fueling more than the rising star of former-Chevron-lobbyist-turned-Schwarze...</font>

Who Arnold Has to Be Thankful for…And What They Want for Christmans

November 27, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

A dozen new donors have joined the Governor's $21,200 Club in the last few weeks (and some have used loopholes to go far beyond the $21,200 limit). Here's who Arnold has to thank this Thanksgiving and what's on their Christmas list:<br/> <br/>...

Governor taking case to public

November 23, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Schwarzenegger plans constant campaign mode to win support for huge bond issue.</h3><p class="source">Orange County Register (California)</p> <p>Critics say the fund raising makes it hard for Schwarzenegger to uphold his promises not to take money from special interests. The Thursday rally was at Galpin Ford, owned by Bert Boeckmann, whose family gave more than $52,000 to Schwarzenegger</p>

Governor puts rules on hold, raises fears

November 19, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>"This is the wish-list for every special interest that lost in the Legislature," said Jamie Court, president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>

Car Ax

November 19, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<font face="verdana,sans-serif" size="2">No you didn't misread the title. Arnold has talked a lot about dropping the car tax, but earlier today, he dropped the Car Ax on DMV chief Steve Gourley. Gourley gained a reputation for policing...</font>

The wurst of times

November 18, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Arnold Schwarzenegger came to power in California promising to exclude special interests, but his definition of them is rather special.</h3><p class="source">The Guardian UK</p> <p>Arnold ended up accepting special interest donations for a war chest that eventually reached $18 million. His biggest donors were financial companies, real estate businesses & developers, agricultural interests, the car industry and construction companies</p>

GOVERNOR’S FIRST ACT: RESCIND CAR FEE HIKE

November 18, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>New boss wastes no time, calls three special sessions</h3><p class="source">Contra Costa Times (California)</p> <p>Arnold's freeze on new regulations drew quick fire from a consumer advocacy group, FTCR, who labeled it "a special-interest coup d'etat" that threatens regulations on pesticides, drinking water standards and other environmental protections.</p>

Schwarzenegger halts pending regulations, orders review

November 17, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>"The effect of this is to basically undo legislation from the last two years that protects the environment, consumers and public safety," said Jamie Court, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>

California treasurer says private sector not meeting transmission needs; sees state role

November 10, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Electric Utility Week</p> <p>the plan is designed to "energize" the private companies to start investing more in transmission. "We hope we will not have to build any lines," he said. The consumer groups involved included The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>

California treasurer sees transmission role for state

November 6, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Megawatt Daily</p> <p>California Treasurer Phil Angelides and a group of consumer advocates, arguing that the private sector has failed to invest in some critical transmission projects, has proposed a plan that would allow the CA Power Authority to finance and build upgrades.</p>

Treasurer urges grid investment

November 5, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times (California)</p> <p>Doug Heller of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, which advocates a return to utility regulation, leavened his support for the Angelides initiative with a warning. "We're going to fight to make sure we have a regulated system."</p>