Sen. Murkowski Comments on Nominee to Lead FERC
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today said she could not support the nomination of Ron Binz to lead the Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission (FERC). Murkowski, at a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said Binz’ views on the role of FERC are incompatible with the independent agency’s mission to ensure Americans have access to affordable, abundant, and reliable energy.
(Click to play video)
“Based on my meeting last week with Mr. Binz and my due diligence, I regret that I must conclude that he lacks the temperament and judgment required of the leader of an independent commission and statutory CEO of an agency such as the FERC,” Murkowski said. “In addition, his conception of the role of regulation is not what we need at FERC right now. What is needed, now more than ever, is balance and independence.”
Murkowski is the ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Full video of the hearing is available on the committee’s website.
###
