Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC - Today, the U.S. Senators on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing to consider President Biden’s nominations to fill current and future vacancies for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The FERC nominees are Democrats Judy Chang and David Rosner, and Republican Lindsay See. By statute, only three of the five commissioners can be from the same political party.
FERC is an independent federal agency that makes key decisions about our nation’s energy future, including the interstate transmission of methane gas and electricity. FERC also has an important role in ensuring that consumers don't overpay for electricity, and that new, low-cost, clean energy technologies, like wind and solar, are able to replace aging, inefficient coal and gas power plants.
In response, Sierra Club Director of Beyond Dirty Fuels Policy Mahyar Sorour released the following statement:
“The Senate has a unique opportunity to shape the future of our country’s energy sector today and in the future by carefully weighing the nominees for FERC in front of them. Regardless of political party, it is the duty of commissioners to uphold FERC’s mission to ensure people have access to secure, reliable and affordable energy, without causing undue harm to the climate or communities. FERC must end its practice of acting as a rubber stamp for the fossil fuel industry. With proper scrutiny from the Senate, new FERC commissioners can help unleash the power of reliable, cheaper, and clean energy resources.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.