Sierra Club Reaction: New FERC Commissioners Confirmed in Package Vote

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm a pair of Trump nominees, David LaCerte and Laura Swett, as commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The nominations were considered in a package with dozens of other nominees to federal posts rather than on their individual merit.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions is an independent agency that regulates interstate energy projects. It is responsible for ensuring that consumers are not price-gouged by energy providers.

Laura Swett has spent her career as a lawyer arguing on behalf of fossil fuel interests and is closely aligned with Project 2025 goals of promoting oil, gas and coal over affordable, more reliable renewable options, like wind and solar power. David LaCerte also worked closely on the Project 2025 agenda and has minimal experience working on energy-related issues.

In response, Sierra Club Beyond Fossil Fuels Policy Director Mahyar Sorour issued the following statement:

"From a lack of regulatory experience to political and industry affiliations that threaten the independence of FERC, both commissioners raise major red flags for the future of energy consumers in this country. During the nomination hearing, both nominees showed a fundamental misunderstanding of the needs of our energy system. We are disappointed that the Senate confirmed these new commissioners who have such deep ties to the fossil fuel industry. We will be watching FERC closely moving forward on behalf of American energy consumers who deserve clean, affordable access to energy."

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.