WASHINGTON – A top official in the West Virginia Attorney General’s office soon could become a commissioner of a federal energy agency.
President Joe Biden nominated state Solicitor General Lindsay See to help lead the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), voted June 4 to advance See’s nomination to the full Senate.
See has been the state’s solicitor general since 2017. During that time, she managed appellate and other litigation for the office. She argued for the state in favor of a key permit for the Mountain Valley Pipeline and against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
See’s FERC nomination has been supported by gas and oil industry leaders. If appointed, her term would end in 2028. FERC has five seats, two of which are vacant. And a third will be vacated at the end of the month.
If someone isn’t appointed to at least one of those three seats, FERC would lack a quorum that could result in delays to votes, issuing permits and other duties.
In addition to See, the nominations of David Rosner and Judy Change also were sent to the full Senate for consideration.
Manchin said confirmation of the three “will ensure that FERC has a full complement of five commissioners to continue its vital work safeguarding energy affordability and reliability for American consumers.”
In March, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), a doctor and ranking member of the ENR Committee, praised See.
“Lindsay See is an accomplished appellate lawyer who has advocated for affordable and reliable energy on behalf of American families,” Barrasso said. “Her record shows a strong commitment to the rule of law.
“She is well positioned to ensure that FERC faithfully adheres to its mission of supporting the abundant supply of American natural gas and electricity.”
The executive director of the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia also praised See.
Following WV Solicitor General See’s nomination to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), GO-WV Executive Director Charlie Burd issued the following statement:
“We support the nomination and confirmation of Lindsay See, whose appointment will ensure FERC is able to effectively function by reviewing and approving critical energy projects,” Charlie Burd said. “See’s career as an advocate for affordable and reliable energy positions her as a strong candidate to advance FERC’s mission as the independent agency plays an essential role in ensuring reliable, affordable energy access.
“West Virginia, and the country as a whole, relies on FERC to advance, improve, and modernize energy infrastructure — which, in turn, drives economic growth and progress towards our shared environmental goals.”
