Joe Barton: “I strongly object to report language regarding regional transmission organization, RTO, matters in the Federal Energy…”

“I strongly object to report language regarding regional transmission organization, RTO, matters in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, section of H.R. 2754, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2004. The Committee's report expresses ``concerns'' regarding the integration of various companies into a regional transmission organization, RTO, pursuant to a specified FERC order. The language also states that the Committee ``expects'' that the FERC will ``require'' certain parties to meet specified conditions ``before proceeding'' with such integration. The language also warns that the Committee ``may address'' this issue ``in more detail'' in the conference, ``pending receipt'' of a status ``report'' from FERC on this issue. Matters pertaining to the regulation of electric transmission are exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The Appropriations Committee has no jurisdiction over such FERC activity and should, therefore, not address this matter in conference. FERC should disregard the report language, which has no legal force or effect.”