The U.S. Senate Thursday voted to confirm Public Utility Commission member Rob Powelson for a seat on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The Senate also confirmed a second member for FERC restoring its quorum and allowing it to again conduct business.

FERC regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil and reviews proposals to build liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and interstate natural gas pipelines as well as licensing hydropower projects.

Members of the Public Utility Commission Friday offered congratulations to Commissioner Robert F. Powelson, whose nomination to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) was unanimously confirmed yesterday by the U.S. Senate.

“Commissioner Powelson has been a strong advocate for the important role of utility regulators, and he goes to FERC with a deep knowledge and passion about public utility issues,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown, on behalf of the entire Commission. “The issues he has championed include the need for greater infrastructure investment, the need for innovation in the utility industry and the development of our next generation of utility workers – which are all in key matter for Pennsylvania and the nation.”

Gov. Wolf will now have the opportunity to fill Powelson’s vacancy on the PUC, subject to confirmation by the Pennsylvania Senate.  Powelson’s seat has been traditionally held by a Republican.

NewsClips:

PennEast Pipeline Set For FERC Approval After New Commissioners Confirmed

U.S. Senate Confirms Powelson, 2nd Nominee To FERC

U.S. Senate Confirms Powelson, 2nd Nominee To FERC, Restores Quorum

AP: U.S. Senate Approves FERC Nominees, Restores Voting Quorum

New FERC Commissioner Powelson Called Strong Advocate For Utility Regulators

U.S. Senate Blocks Trump From Making Recess Appointments During Break

[Posted: August 4, 2017]

8/7/2017