DOE, EPA officials offer advice as FERC turns focus to environmental justice

摘要

In a further sign of a shift in focus at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the agency got advice from Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency officials about how to improve engagement and better consider environmental justice issues as the commission makes key energy infrastructure decisions. “I think this office can be a holder and keeper of data to ensure that the same communities are not sought out again and again for infrastructure,” Shalanda Baker, DOE’s new deputy director for energy justice told commissioners. The suggestions came during a daylong workshop FERC held April 16 to solicit input on a plan for a new FERC Office of Public Participation. Feedback during the day centered on FERCs energy project work as well as its rate setting and power market decision making.