Senate Confirms Three for FERC

Senate Confirms Three FERC Commissioners (E&E News)
Zack Bright (June 14): Following Senate confirmation on June 13, two Democrats will join FERC—Judy Chang, a former Mass. energy and climate official, and David Rosner, a former aide to Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV). West Va. Solicitor General Lindsay See joins as a Republican member. Chair Willie Phillips (D) congratulated them: “The Commission works best when it has five members” and will “work collaboratively to ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for all consumers.” [Story notes that should Trump be elected in Nov. he will be able to name the next FERC chair.] Link to Content

NatGas Reviews Pose Early Test for New FERC Commissioners (Bloomberg Law)
Daniel Moore (June 14): When the three new commissioners are sworn in, FERC will return to full strength for the first time in about 18 months… Recently, Chair Phillips and commissioner Mark Christie (R) have teamed up to move gas projects over dissents from Clements. This trend [should continue since] all three new commissioners, in their March confirmation hearing, signaled that new gas infrastructure is a priority… Reaction from e-NGOs? FOE’s Lukas Ross: “We need a FERC that acts like the climate actually matters. I’d love to be proven wrong, but that does not seem like the slate of nominees that was just approved.” Link to Content

FERC Chair Willie Phillips, Photo by FERC