Dec 8, 2017 - Energy & Climate

New FERC chief pumps the brakes on Rick Perry

Ben Geman

Energy Secretary Rick Perry stands with his hands behind his back in front of a blue FEMA sign. — Energy Secretary Rick Perry Photo: Cliff Owen / AP

The new chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Kevin McIntyre, in a letter to Energy Secretary Rick Perry released late last night, has proposed a 30-day extension for taking action on Perry's controversial proposal to boost compensation for coal and nuclear plants in some markets by Dec. 11.

Why it matters: While it's framed as a request, McIntyre's move — on the first day of the job — makes clear that FERC is not poised to take any substantive action on Perry's request by the original deadline on Monday.

What he said: The letter notes that FERC has received over 1,500 comments on Perry's late September proposal, and that FERC added two members in the last two weeks (McIntyre was just sworn-in yesterday). "The proposed extension is critical to afford adequate time for the new Commissioners to consider the voluminous record and engage fully in deliberations," the letter states.

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New FERC chief pumps the brakes on Rick Perry

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