Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I wish to voice my concern over the nomination of Mr. Norman Bay to be a Commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission--and eventually Chairman of the entire FERC. I have serious concerns with Mr. Bay's qualifications to serve as a Commissioner, let alone lead the entire agency, particularly at such a critical time for the Commission and the many issues it must address such as energy grid infrastructure, safety and reliability. Mr. Bay has at best limited experience in the energy sector and, unlike many of the recent FERC Chairmen, has never served on the Commission. Mr. Bay's inexperience is only further illuminated when compared to the lengthy and significant energy sector experience of current FERC Acting Chairman, Ms. Cheryl LaFleur. While I may not agree with Ms. LaFleur's various policy positions, there is no denying the fact that she has spent nearly her entire career learning the intricacies of a very complicated electricity grid. We must have the very best people on FERC, and the Chair must be the best qualified for leading the agency. Mismanagement in this critical agency could have serious consequences for American families, small businesses, national security and energy infrastructure reliability. I do not believe in on-the-job training for such an important position. It appears there has been an undefined deal--some would say a backroom deal--struck with the administration to give Mr. Bay a FERC apprenticeship, while the qualified Ms.…”