Biden Announces Fossil Fuel-Friendly Pick to Lead the FERC

WASHINGTON – Today, President Biden announced his intention to nominate corporate regulatory lawyer, and former DC Public Utility Commission Chair, Willie Phillips to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Drew Hudson, Senior National Organizer at Friends of the Earth, issued the following statement in response:  

The appointment of Mr. Phillips to the FERC is a gift to corporate utilities and the fossil fuel industry. While on the D.C. Public Service Commission, Mr. Phillips voted in favor of rate hikes, fossil fuel pipelines, and a massive corporate merger that reduced consumer choice and increased monopoly power. Mr. Phillips’ record of ignoring public comment and opposition from environmental justice advocates is a glaring red flag proving he’s unfit for this role. No matter who sits on the commission, Friends of the Earth will continue to advocate for ratepayers, the climate, and the communities most impacted by FERC. 

 In August, nearly 500 environmental and energy justice organizations sent a carta to the White House calling on President Biden to appoint an environmental and energy justice champion to the FERC. The groups emphasized that the Administration’s ability to adequately address the ongoing climate emergency and leave an environmental justice legacy in its wake would hinge on this nomination. 

 Contacto de comunicaciones: Brittany Miller, (202) 222-0746, [email protected]