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for, but they will make BPA more agile and more competitive. 



In the end, that should be the ultimate objective. And if turning BPA into an independent 

 government corporation is the best way to meet that objective, then it ought to be given 

 serious consideration. 



Northwest Pffyyr Plannin g Counci l and Congressional Oversight: 



Now let me say a few words about what shouldn't change. I don't want my comments on 

 internal changes to also extend to changes in BPA's "governance" by the Power Planning 

 Council and Congress. 



Some tinkering may be warranted, but frankly the investor-owned utility industry has tried to 

 get some relief from expensive and extreme levels of oversight by the SEC, NRC, FERC, 

 EPA, USDOE, not to mention DEQ, EFSC, ODOE and so on. 



I am not sanguine that changes in reporting requirements will translate into actual savings or 

 quicker management decisions. We believe what needs to be addressed can be done under 

 present reporting relationships and with the Northwest Power Act left intact. 



