SHAHEEN, NEW ENGLAND SENATORS URGE ADMINISTRATION TO RE-NOMINATE LAFLEUR AS FERC COMMISSIONER

(Washington, DC) – A bipartisan group of New England Senators led by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) are calling on the Administration to support the re-nomination of Acting Chairman Cheryl LaFleur to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Citing LaFleur’s expertise on energy issues impacting the Northeast region, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen along with Senators Edward Markey (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) said LaFleur’s experience and demonstrated commitment to providing affordable and reliable energy to Americans make her especially qualified.

“We believe it is vital to nominate someone with knowledge of the energy issues impacting the United States and Acting Chairman LaFleur is presently the only individual on the Commission with deep knowledge of the Northeast region’s unique energy challenges,” wrote the New England Senators in a letter sent to the President on Monday.  “Her expertise in energy and competitive wholesale markets give her a thorough understanding of how regulators’ decisions affect real customers, especially those in New England.”

The Senators continued, “Acting Chairman LaFleur’s experience and commitment make her especially qualified to continue serving the people of this nation as a Commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.”

LaFleur was appointed Commissioner to FERC in 2010 and later confirmed by the United States Senate for a term that ends in June of this year.  Since her confirmation, LaFleur has focused much of her time on improving reliability and grid security, promoting regional transmission planning and supporting a clean and diverse power supply for the country.  Prior to serving on FERC, LaFleur served in roles where she was responsible for delivering energy to millions of Northeast customers. Additionally, the Senators cited that earlier in her career, LaFleur led energy efficiency programs in New Hampshire and across the New England region that won national recognition because of their focus on residential efficiency.  

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

 

March 31, 2014

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC  20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write to strongly support the re-nomination of Acting Chairman Cheryl LaFleur to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  In addition to her four years of service on the Commission, she has spent more than two decades demonstrating an unwavering commitment to providing affordable and reliable energy to Americans.

In 2010, Acting Chairman LaFleur was appointed to serve on the Commission and later confirmed by the United States Senate for a term that ends in June of this year.  Since her confirmation, Acting Chairman LaFleur has focused much of her time on improving reliability and grid security, promoting regional transmission planning and supporting a clean and diverse power supply for the country.  She serves as the Commission’s liaison to the Department of Energy’s Electricity Advisory Committee and a member of the NARUC Committees on Electricity and Critical Infrastructure.  As you know, for the last four months, Ms. LaFleur has served as the Acting Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 

Prior to joining the Commission, Acting Chairman LaFleur served as the Executive Vice President and Acting CEO of National Grid USA.  In this capacity, she was responsible for the delivery of electricity to 3.4 million customers in the Northeast and led major efforts to improve reliability and employee safety.  Earlier in her career, she led energy efficiency programs in New Hampshire and across the New England region that won national recognition because of their focus on residential efficiency.  

We believe it is vital to nominate someone with knowledge of the energy issues impacting the United States and Acting Chairman LaFleur is presently the only individual on the Commission with deep knowledge of the Northeast region’s unique energy challenges.  Her expertise in energy and competitive wholesale markets give her a thorough understanding of how regulators’ decisions affect real customers, especially those in New England.  Acting Chairman LaFleur’s experience and commitment make her especially qualified to continue serving the people of this nation as a Commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 

We appreciate your consideration of this recommendation.  If we can provide additional information concerning Acting Chairman Cheryl LaFleur and her qualifications for this position, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Shaheen                                                                              Edward Markey

United States Senator                                                                   United States Senator

Sheldon Whitehouse                                                                     Jack Reed

United States Senator                                                                   United States Senator

Kelly Ayotte                                                                                       Angus S. King Jr.

United States Senator                                                                   United States Senator

Susan Collins                                                                                                     

United States Senator                                                                  

 

CC: United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid