Central Wyoming News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), delivered remarks at a business meeting to consider nominations to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The meeting addressed the nominations of Mr. David Rosner, Ms. Lindsay S. See, and Ms. Judy W. Chang for terms expiring in 2027, 2028, and 2029 respectively.

Senator Barrasso emphasized the importance of FERC as an independent agency regulating interstate transmission of electricity, transportation of oil and natural gas, overseeing electric reliability, and licensing interstate natural gas pipelines and hydropower projects.

Barrasso noted past issues with maintaining a quorum on the Commission: “In 2015 and 2016, President Obama refused to fill the vacancies left by two Republican Commissioners... That departure left the Commission without a quorum.” He highlighted that restoring this quorum took seven months during which many critical projects were delayed.

Despite expressing concerns over recent partisan decisions by FERC's current leadership, Barrasso expressed support for all three nominees: "And while I may not agree with each of the nominees at all times, all of them are well qualified."

He particularly endorsed Ms. Lindsay See for her extensive legal experience: "Ms. See is an outstanding appellate lawyer... She has fought tirelessly for affordable and reliable energy for American families." He also mentioned her background as Solicitor General of West Virginia and her academic credentials from Harvard Law School.

Regarding Ms. Judy Chang, Barrasso shared their discussion where she committed to upholding FERC’s non-partisan mission: "Ms. Chang reiterated that she will honor and adhere [to] FERC’s independent and non-partisan mission."

Concluding his remarks, Barrasso stated his intention to support all nominees: "I believe that the addition of three nominees together would improve the Commission’s current makeup."