Coalition Letter in Support of FERC Confirmation Vote

Dear Majority Leader McConnell and Democratic Leader Schumer:

The undersigned organizations represent a broad constituency of industries, companies, and labor unions who build and provide equipment, materials, supplies, services, and human capital to energy infrastructure projects. Our broad group relies on that infrastructure to produce and deliver the energy that powers America.

We ask you to schedule floor votes as soon as possible to confirm new commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to fill current vacancies. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee recently cleared both a Republican and a Democratic nominee with bipartisan support, and their nominations now await a vote by the full Senate.

FERC plays a critical role in ensuring that Americans have access to reliable and affordable energy. The Commission reviews and permits certain new interstate infrastructure projects and expansions intended to modernize existing energy transportation systems. FERC also reviews and approves rates and services for interstate energy infrastructure companies. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of affordable and reliable energy, and energy infrastructure will play an essential role in supporting America’s economic recovery.

Moving energy safely, reliably, and efficiently to where it is needed requires an innovative and highly interconnected transportation system. Modernizing and expanding America’s energy infrastructure will bring investment and jobs to all corners of our country while also improving our environment. Energy infrastructure development delivers local opportunities—through wages paid to local workers, money spent at small businesses, and lower costs for families—and those benefits resonate across America.

Prospects for these opportunities become uncertain when seats on the Commission are left empty. FERC cannot approve new infrastructure, review rate or service proposals, or perform other key functions without a quorum. We ask that you support our efforts to create a modern, clean, reliable, and affordable energy system by filling the vacant seats on the Commission as quickly as possible.

Sincerely,

American Chemistry Council

American Council of Engineering Companies

American Council on Renewable Energy

American Forest & Paper Association

American Gas Association

American Iron and Steel Institute

American Petroleum Institute

American Pipeline Contractors Association

American Public Gas Association

American Wind Energy Association

Association of Oil Pipe Lines

The Association of Union Constructors

Consumer Energy Alliance

Distribution Contractors Association

Edison Electric Institute

Electricity Consumers Resource Council

Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance

GPA Midstream Association

Independent Petroleum Association of America

Interstate Natural Gas Association of America

Laborers' International Union of North America

National Association of Manufacturers

National Utility Contractors Association

Plastics Pipe Institute

Portland Cement Association

Process Gas Consumers Group

U.S. Chamber of Commerc