Joe Manchin: “I spoke at some length about the important work of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission yesterday. I spoke also…”

“I spoke at some length about the important work of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission yesterday. I spoke also about the statutory requirement that the Commission members be able ``to assess fairly the needs and concerns of all interest affected by Federal energy policy.'' I believe that is why an earlier Congress, when it created the Department of Energy in 1977 and concentrated most energy functions in the hands of the Secretary of Energy, insisted on maintaining a separate, independent, five-member collegial body for electric and natural gas regulation. When it comes to fairly assessing all interests, five heads are better than one. Bringing together five different people with five different life experiences and perspectives helps ensure that all affected interests will be heard and fairly considered and assessed. David Rosner, Lindsay See, and Judy Chang are very different people from very different backgrounds. What matters most is their willingness to work with one another, to consider and assess fairly different interests and points of view, and to put partisan passions aside in favor of the public interest. After meeting all three and listening to them testify and watching them respond to Senators' questions, I am convinced that all three are willing and able to work with each other and with Chairman Phillips and Commissioner Christie on the Commission to ensure energy reliability and affordability for American consumers.…”