September 24, 1970
Page 33557
DICKEY-LINCOLN AND THE ELECTRIC POWER SHORTAGE
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, today marks the third day in a row of a serious electric power crisis. This power shortage threatens the healthand safety of millions of citizens.
This crisis is the result of an inadequate national policy and an obstinate industry which for many years refused to acknowledge the imminent crisis and which still refuses to take adequate steps to protect the public.
Two days ago, while the lights in the Chamber were dimmed, the House of Representatives refused to appropriate additional planning funds for a viable and necessary public, power project.
When the authorization for the Dickey-Lincoln School hydroelectric facility was passed in 1965, consumer rates for electricity in New England were the highest in the Nation because New England had no "yardstick." This situation has not changed.
At that time, New England and the east coast faced a shortage of fuel and electricity. This situation has not changed.
And at that time, it was clear to many people that the shortages of electric power in the East were becoming so serious that a crisis was imminent. Since then, we have had a major blackout and a growing crisis of unreliable and inadequate electric power.
Blind opposition to this project threatens the health and welfare of all the people in the Eastern United States. It is the kind of attitude which weakens faith and confidence in both public and private institutions.
As we run out the string on available sources of pollution-free electric power, the pressure to continue with the construction of the, Dickey Dam will increase. The sooner the House, and the private utilities recognize this fact, the sooner the public will be protected.