Industry concerns that FERC could lose one of its mostexperienced commissioners when his term expires at the end of thismonth were partially quelled last week when President Clintonnominated Commissioner William L. Massey to another term. His newterm, which is subject to Senate confirmation, would expire June30, 2003.

“I am excited by the opportunity of continued service at theCommission during this time of dynamic change for our nation’sbackbone energy industries,” Massey said in a statement. He wasconfirmed by the Senate to his present term on May 20, 1993 afterbeing nominated by President Clinton.

John Sharp, director of congressional affairs and counsel forNatural Gas Supply Association (NGSA), said Massey has been highlyvalued for his “candor and knowledge of the industry,” his “firmgrasp” of the issues, the functioning of the marketplace and “thepossible abuses that can go on in the marketplace. And he’s notbashful about expressing them.”

“We think that the President made a wonderful decision,” saidSharp. “Now it’s time for the Senate to do the same. You never knowwhat can come up at confirmation hearings. There are a lot ofcontroversial things hanging out there right now with regards towhat the Commission is doing. Those things can pop up notnecessarily based on the merits of the commissioner, but on generalCommission direction and goals and stuff.”

NGSA President Nicholas Bush sent a letter to the Senate EnergyCommittee last week urging rapid confirmation of the commissioner,noting that a number of important issues currently are on FERC’splate, including regulation of offshore pipelines.

Karen Hill, vice president of government relations at theAmerican Gas Association, said Massey has been “very thoughtful andsubstantive in his consideration and decisions about importantindustry issues. Now that the Commission is turning to gas issues,we would be most happy if he can continue.” The Senate received thenomination from the administration last Thursday, but a Senatestaff member said confirmation hearings probably would not bescheduled until after July 1.

Rocco Canonica

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