OLYMPIA -- Washington has joined 20 other states and one territory in support of the University of Michigan's right to establish admissions policies that promote student diversity on state-operated college campuses.

Washington and the other states filed an amicus, or friend of the court, brief in a Michigan case before the U.S. Supreme Court that could determine whether public universities can take race into account when making college admission decisions.

OLYMPIA -- The Attorney General's Office filed papers today asking federal regulators to look at new evidence that supports granting refunds to Northwest utilities that were charged unjustly inflated prices by power suppliers during 2000-2001.

The filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) asserts that new evidence provided by Pacific Northwest utilities shows that the Western electricity market was not competitive and prices were unjustly inflated during a crisis in 2000-2001.

OLYMPIA -- Acting on a recommendation from the state Public Disclosure Commission, the Attorney General's Office today filed suit against the political action committee Permanent Offense and campaign leaders Tim Eyman and Suzanne Karr for alleged violations of Washington's Public Disclosure Act.

EVERETT -- In a judgment filed today in Snohomish County Superior Court, Tim Eyman agreed to accept a lifetime ban on involvement in any political committee's financial accounts and to pay $50,000 to settle charges he violated the state's Public Disclosure Act.

In addition to a $42,000 fine and $8,000 to reimburse the state for its costs and fees incurred in filing the suit, Eyman agreed he will never again serve as a treasurer for any political committee or have control over its financial accounts.

OLYMPIA -- Citing new evidence of unfair market manipulation by Enron Corp. during last year's power crisis, Attorney General Christine Gregoire today asked federal regulators to reopen the Northwest electrical refund case.

In papers filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today, the Attorney General's Office challenged an administrative law judge's ruling last year that the Northwest power market during the crisis was competitive, and that rates charged by power generators and distributors were just and reasonable.

SEATTLE -- Attorney General Christine Gregoire today announced a national $51.5 million settlement with Ford Motor Co., manufacturer of the popular Explorer SUVs that have been linked to rollover accidents and 271 deaths and 700 injuries nationwide.

The settlement comes a year after attorneys general reached a similar $51.5 million settlement with Bridgestone/Firestone, maker of tires installed as original equipment on the Ford Explorer.

SEATTLE -- A Seattle-based Internet site that offers discount airfares purchased with frequent fliers’ unwanted mile credits has been sued by Attorney General Christine Gregoire for allegedly violating consumer protection laws.
 
In a lawsuit filed today in King County Superior Court, the Attorney General’s High Tech Unit accused First Interactive Productions, Inc., and its owner, Brent R. Allen, of violating various provisions of the state’s Consumer Protection Act and the state’s Sellers of Travel Act.

SEATTLE -- Attorney General Christine Gregoire today announced a national $51.5 million settlement with Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., the manufacturer of tires linked to 271 deaths and 700 injuries nationwide.

A 14-month investigation conducted by attorneys general from throughout the country centered on whether the tire giant withheld vital safety information from consumers, misrepresented the tires’ expected life and failed to live up to the terms of various recalls.

SEATTLE -- The Bridgestone/Firestone multistate working group, a joint effort of Attorneys General from Washington and 47 other states and territories, wants consumers who own tires listed on the Sept. 1, 2000, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Consumer Advisory to know their options.

SEATTLE -- Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., will commence a "bounty program" designed to remove used recalled tires from the inventories of all used tire dealers, Attorney General Christine Gregoire announced.

The nationwide bounty program will begin immediately.

Under the program, any person who returns used recalled tires by following the Bridgestone/Firestone return program will receive $10 per tire. Anyone wishing to return used recalled tires and receive the bounty should contact Bridgestone/Firestone at 1-800-847-3272.