Joseph Martens has been confirmed as commissioner of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Martens, a former president of the Open Space Institute, has been acting commissioner of the DEC since his appointment on Jan. 4 by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He was unanimously confirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate. The DEC is working to meet a July 1 deadline to prepare a supplemental generic environmental impact statement on hydraulic fracturing (see NGI, Dec. 20, 2010; July 28, 2008). Martens replaces Alexander “Pete” Grannis as DEC commissioner. Grannis was fired by Paterson last October for allegedly leaking internal memos to the media that were critical of staff cuts — cuts that Grannis argued would impede DEC’s effectiveness in overseeing gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale (see NGI, Nov. 29, 2010).
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Martens Confirmed as New York DEC Commissioner
Joseph Martens was confirmed as commissioner of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on Tuesday.
New York’s New DEC Chief Urged Go-Slow Approach to Fracking
Joseph Martens, who was tapped by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week to lead New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in 2010 suggested the state wait until a federal study had been completed on hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) impacts to health and the environment before implementing rules for Marcellus Shale drillers.
New York’s New DEC Chief Urged Go-Slow Approach to Hydrofracking
Joseph Martens, who was tapped by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday to lead New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), last year suggested the state wait until a federal study had been completed on hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) impacts to health and the environment before implementing rules for Marcellus Shale drillers.
Climate Bill Expected to be Unveiled at Start of Earth Week
The latest is that Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) plan to introduce their long-time-in-coming climate change legislation by the start of Earth Week (April 19).
Climate Bill Expected to be Unveiled at Start of Earth Week
The latest is that Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) plan to introduce their long-time-in-coming climate change legislation by the start of Earth Week (April 19).
People
Joseph Hirko, the former CEO of Enron Corp.’s failed broadband business, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for lying to investors to boost the former company’s stock price. Hirko, who was first indicted in 2003, also agreed to pay $8.7 million in restitution (see Daily GPI, May 2, 2003). Hirko was one of five former Enron Broadband Services executives who were first tried in 2005; their trial ended in a hung jury. Hirko had previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud as part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. Before he was sentenced in Houston by U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore, Hirko apologized for his actions. “I’ve always tried to be an example for my kids, to show them by my actions to do right. I can’t do that anymore. The best I can do is stand here before you and accept responsibility for my actions.”
People
Eight weeks after resigning as chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) (see Daily GPI, March 10), Joseph Kelliher has landed with FPL Group Inc. in a newly created position to lead its federal regulatory team. Kelliher, who had been a FERC commissioner from November 2003 until mid-March 2009 and chairman from July 2005 until January 2009, has joined FPL as executive vice president, federal regulatory affairs, overseeing all aspects of the company’s federal energy regulatory policy. Kelliher will report to FPL CEO Lewis Hay III. “Federal regulatory issues are increasingly complex and affect the company in new ways as we have grown to encompass energy operations in 27 states,” Hay said. “As America’s most forward-looking energy company, we feel an obligation to provide leadership and a strong point of view to the shaping of federal energy policy while also demonstrating our commitment to compliance and strong governance. There are few who can match the breadth and depth of knowledge and experience that Joe will bring to this role.” Juno Beach, FL-based FPL has approximately 39,000 MW of generating capacity and more than 15,000 employees in 27 states and Canada. The company’s principal subsidiaries are NextEra Energy Resources LLC, the largest generator in North America of renewable energy from the wind and sun; and Florida Power & Light Co., which serves 4.5 million customer accounts in Florida and is one of the largest rate-regulated electric utilities in the country.
Kelliher Departure Clears Way for Obama to Name Dem Successor
FERC Commissioner and former Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher resigned from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission effective Friday, opening the door for President Obama to bring in his own candidate for commissioner and possibly the next chairman of the five-member agency.
Kelliher Departure Clears Way for Obama to Name Dem Successor
FERC Commissioner and former Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher said Monday he will resign from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at the end of the week, opening the door for President Obama to bring in his own candidate for commissioner and possibly the next chairman of the five-member agency.
