Chatterjee, Powelson confirmed as FERC commissioners
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission now has a quorum, which will help move forward several stalled pipeline projects.
FERC has been without a quorum on its five-member commission since February. The Senate confirmed two new members—Neil Chatterjee and Robert F. Powelson—in early August. Chatterjee was a senior energy adviser to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and will serve a term that ends in 2021. Powelson was president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and a member of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. He will serve until June 2020.
A hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for two other nominees—Kevin McIntyre and Richard Glick—was scheduled for Sept. 7.
FERC acting Chair Cheryl A. LaFleur, who was the only member remaining until the recent appointments, congratulated the new members. “I am very pleased to welcome Neil and Rob to the commission,” she said. “They each bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the important issues we are facing. With a quorum restored, our first order of business is the backlog of orders and issues that are awaiting commission consideration.”
NARUC welcomed the confirmation. “This is certainly positive news for our members, as there are several matters that can be addressed now that we will have a quorum at FERC,” said NARUC Executive Director Greg White.