Senate committee holds hearing to consider FERC nominees
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing to consider the nominations of Mark Christie and Allison Clements to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
“Decisions that FERC Commissioners make matter—not only to the energy sector but to the nation,” U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the chair of the committee, said. “Approving the siting of natural gas pipelines, investigating energy markets, and licensing hydroelectric projects are just a few of the Commission’s duties. FERC’s economic reach has been estimated at roughly three percent of the gross domestic product, but its real impact is likely greater because energy is a fundamental input.”
Christie, the chairman of the State Corporation Commission of Virginia, is nominated for a term expiring June 30, 2025, to replace Commissioner Bernard McNamee. Clements, who most recently founded an energy policy and strategy consulting firm and previously worked for the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), is nominated for a term expiring June 30, 2024, to replace former Commissioner Cheryl LaFleur.
Committee Ranking Member Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) questioned the nominees on the role FERC has in maintaining the reliability of the nation’s grid system.
“I’ve always said that people want reliable, dependable, and affordable energy, and they have been receiving that for quite some time. But now, it is a bit sparse, and people are concerned. So, on the reliability of the grid system, is that based on cost or based on the energy that we are able to supply to ensure that the people have dependable access? How do you all look at that from FERC’s evaluation,” Manchin asked.
“Reliability is a huge issue for us. Americans expect electric power on a 24/7, 365-day basis. They don’t want hours or days where there is no power, it is essential to modern life. As a regulator, you are very sensitive to that, so reliability is one of your most important duties,” Christie said.
Clements discussed the tradeoff between costs and reliability benefits.
“So the question is, in order to ensure that FERC is meeting its obligations and protecting U.S. citizens going forward, what are the right, most efficient, and effective investments that the system needs to make to protect customers and provide reliable, affordable power,” Clements said.
