Intel snubs California

Concerned by current power problems that threaten to disrupt California state's supply of electricity, Intel Corp. CEO Craig Barrett has warned that his company will expand outside the state. Chipmakers are particularly vulnerable to electrical outages as interruptions in power can spoil a fabrication run, costing millions in damaged chips. Barrett has supported an expedited permit process that would rush the construction of electrical generation plants.

In a related story, Intel Corp. has reportedly purchased the option to buy 312 acres of land in Colorado Springs, already the home of one Intel manufacturing plant.

For more on the California story, read bloomberg.com. The Colorado story is at mercurycenter.com.