James

Reps. W.J. “Billy” Tauzin (R-LA), Joe Barton (R-TX) and James Greenwood (R-PA) are seeking assurances from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that the NRC has enough resources to adequately address its current workload, as well as any additional regulatory activities that are likely to come the agency’s way, going forward.

New York State Assemblyman James F. Brennan (D-Brooklyn) last week introduced legislation calling for the creation of a New York City public electric power system that would repurchase power plants previously sold by Consolidated Edison (ConEd) to several unregulated companies.

In announcing better-than-expected earnings last Tuesday, PSEG CEO E. James Ferland said growth prospects for his energy and energy services company are the strongest in its 98-year history because of high expectations for its unregulated power generation and global energy operations. He expressed confidence that PSEG can both maintain its current dividend and achieve a 7% compound growth rate over the next five years.

In announcing better-than-expected earnings yesterday, PSEG CEO E. James Ferland said growth prospects for his energy and energy services company are the strongest in its 98-year history because of high expectations for its unregulated power generation and global energy operations. He expressed confidence that PSEG can both maintain its current dividend and achieve a 7% compound growth rate over the next five years.

The Houston Exploration Co. announced on Wednesday the appointment of William G. Hargett as president and CEO. He succeeds James G. Floyd who is retiring after holding those positions for 15 years. Houston Exploration said that Hargett’s extensive technical expertise within the energy industry, most recently as president, North America at Santa Fe Snyder Corp., make him more than qualified for the job. The company also announced that Randall Fleming, senior vice president, exploration and production, has elected to retire from Houston Exploration. As one of the original members of Houston Exploration, Fleming brought his exploration knowledge to the company’s drilling programs in the Gulf of Mexico as well as its onshore programs. Additionally, the company reported that Thomas W. Powers has been promoted to the new position of senior vice president, CFO and treasurer. Houston Exploration will host analyst meetings on Wednesday, April 18 to introduce Hargett and Houston Exploration’s management team.

The Houston Exploration Co. announced on Wednesday the appointment of William G. Hargett as president and CEO. He succeeds James G. Floyd who is retiring after holding those positions for 15 years. Houston Exploration said that Hargett’s extensive technical expertise within the energy industry, most recently as president, North America at Santa Fe Snyder Corp., make him more than qualified for the job. The company also announced that Randall Fleming, senior vice president, exploration and production, has elected to retire from Houston Exploration. As one of the original members of Houston Exploration, Fleming brought his exploration knowledge to the company’s drilling programs in the Gulf of Mexico as well as its onshore programs. Additionally, the company reported that Thomas W. Powers has been promoted to the new position of senior vice president, CFO and treasurer. Houston Exploration will host analyst meetings on Wednesday, April 18 to introduce Hargett and Houston Exploration’s management team.

In his parting shot as FERC chairman last week, James J. Hoeckerissued one last plea to California Gov. Gray Davis to join with theCommission to enforce its comprehensive reforms for the state’sbeleaguered power market: a $150/MWh soft price cap on wholesalesales, an emphasis on forward contracting by utilities,market-monitoring activities, and state participation in a regionaltransmission organization (RTO).

In his parting shot as FERC chairman last week, James J. Hoecker issued one last plea to California Gov. Gray Davis to join with the Commission to enforce its comprehensive reforms for the state’s beleaguered power market: a $150/MWh soft price cap on wholesale sales, an emphasis on forward contracting by utilities, market-monitoring activities, and state participation in a regional transmission organization (RTO).

Commissioner William Massey will take over the reins at FERCwhen Chairman James J. Hoecker steps down this week after more thanseven years at the agency. His term will begin Jan. 19.