WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, this week voted to confirm David Roser and Judy Chang to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for terms ending in 2027 and 2029, respectively. With the Senate’s action, FERC will maintain quorum with a full slate of commissioners, and continues to have a Democratic majority. Senator Welch released the following statement:
“We can’t expect success when we pair the herculean task of transforming our energy grid with an anemic agency on the edge of total standstill. This week the Senate voted to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the jolt it badly needs to continue its work. In turn, FERC will help strengthen our grid for the future, lower emissions, and prepare for the demands of the green energy future, all while improving reliability and keeping costs down for ratepayers. We’re fortunate to have unlocked the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Now we need to put follow through on those efforts so we can see the full vision of these bills realized.
“FERC may not be the most exciting agency to most Americans—but its work is powering our future and is key to meeting our climate goals. For that reason, I found it important that my support was only given to nominees who would not work to undercut our commitment to a green energy future. I look forward to working with the new Commission, and thank Chairman Phillips for his steady leadership during this challenging period.”
Senator Welch has been an outspoken voice on FERC’s role in updating our aging transmission infrastructure. He led his colleagues in pushing FERC to implement a shared savings incentive, required under the Federal Power Act, that promotes the deployment of grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) to expand transmission capacity and meet rapid growth in electricity demand. He also introduced bicameral legislation to boost investments in GETs, and incentivize grid operators and developers to bring new projects online that expand transmission capacity.
On Earth Day, Sen. Welch and Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H.-02) unveiled the Energizing Our Communities Act, legislation to support local communities that host Department of Energy (DOE)-supported transmission projects. The program will help build trust between local governments and transmission developers so our nation can sustainably increase transmission capacity, which is crucial to a national clean energy transition.
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