Commissioner Christian Encourages U.S. Senate to Confirm FERC Nominees

AUSTIN– Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian today sent a letter to U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz expressing the importance of confirming Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) nominees, Neil Chatterjee and Robert Powelson, before the Senate adjourns for its August recess. 

In his letter, Commissioner Christian explained that for the first time in 40 years, FERC lacks the proper number of members to meet a quorum. Without a voting quorum, FERC cannot approve energy infrastructure projects for the benefit of energy development in our country. 

“If the Senate fails to act, nearly two dozen pipeline projects totaling nearly $25 billion in investments and 75,000 jobs are at risk,” said Christian. “Confirmation of these two nominees will restore a quorum to the commission and allow it to conduct business so these critical projects can move forward. 

“It is essential that the Senate move forward with the nomination of these two individuals before August recess,” continued Christian.  “Tens of millions of investor dollars and thousands of well-paying jobs are on hold while these projects sit in limbo, awaiting approval from FERC. The economic consequences resulting from the delay in confirming the FERC nominees is a tremendous and unnecessary waste to the American taxpayer.”

A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected to join the Railroad Commission of Texas in November 2016. In 1996, Christian was elected to the House of Representatives. During this time, Christian served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a multi-term member of the Energy Resource Committee. On these committees, he had direct oversight of the Railroad Commission and accumulated a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations.