Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Democratic Leader Schumer:
The undersigned associations urge you to act quickly to restore a quorum at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). FERC has lacked a quorum for more than four months, placing energy infrastructure permitting and approvals on an indefinite hold and creating an unexpected barrier to improving the permitting process for infrastructure projects. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee recently cleared two nominees on strong bipartisan votes; their nominations now await a vote by the full Senate.
FERC plays a critical role in ensuring that Americans have access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy. Regardless of the energy resource, moving energy safely and efficiently to where it is needed requires a modern and highly interconnected system. Innovation is driving new opportunities. Projects bring an influx of investment and jobs to all corners of the country. This means wages are paid to local workers and money is spent in local economies. While energy infrastructure development delivers this opportunity locally, the impact resonates across America.
We ask you to schedule votes to confirm new FERC commissioners to fill the existing vacancies as soon as possible. Robust energy infrastructure creates jobs, improves safety and spurs domestic investment, and these benefits are placed in jeopardy when FERC seats are left empty. Restoring a quorum at FERC is a bold step toward a stronger future, and we ask that you do so as quickly as possible.
Sincerely,
American Chemistry Council
American Council of Engineering Companies
American Forest & Paper Association
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers
American Gas Association
American Iron and Steel Institute
American Petroleum Institute
American Pipeline Contractors Association
American Public Power Association
Association of Energy Service Companies
Association of Oil Pipe Lines
Consumer Energy Alliance
Distribution Contractors Association
Edison Electric Institute
Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance
GPA Midstream Association
Independent Petroleum Association of America
Industrial Energy Consumers of America
International Union of Operating Engineers
Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
Laborers' International Union of North America
National Association of Manufacturers
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Natural Gas Supply Association
North America’s Building Trades Unions
Plastics Pipe Institute
Portland Cement Association
Solar Energy Industries Association
The Association of Union Constructors
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Related
Exploring Real-Life Challenges with Ensuring Natural Gas Availability for Power and Joint Industry Suggested Mitigation Strategies Natural Gas Council letter to Senate leadership on permitting reform
