Chairman W.J. “Billy” Tauzin of the House Energy and CommerceCommittee made a remark during a House hearing yesterday that castsome doubt on whether Curt. L. Hebert is actually chairman of FERCon a permanent basis.

At a hearing of the Energy and Air Quality SubcommitteeWednesday, Tauzin said he “wanted to join” Subcommittee ChairmanJoe Barton (R-TX) in voicing his “strong support for ChairmanHebert’s position as chairman of the FERC. I hope theadministration confirms that as a permanent chairmanship.” Hecalled Hebert “fully competent and qualified” for the job.

The White House notified Hebert on Jan. 24 that he was chairmanof the Commission, but it wasn’t clear whether he would hold theposition on an interim or permanent basis. Hebert indicated at thetime that his appointment was permanent, but the White House hasnever made any announcement to that effect.

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