WASHINGTON – West Virginia’s Solicitor General has been confirmed as a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Lindsay See’s nomination June 12 with an 83-12 vote. A Republican, See garnered more Senate votes than Democrat David Rosner, who also was confirmed to another FERC seat Wednesday. Judy Chang's nomination is expected to be confirmed Thursday.
See’s FERC term ends in 2028.
Senator John Barrasso, a Republican ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee from Wyoming, praised See before Wednesday’s vote.
“From a young age, she (See) has distinguished herself as a person of exemplary discipline, drive, and determination,” Barrasso said. “She graduated summa cum laude from Patrick Henry College. She then graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where she served as the Executive Editor of the Harvard Law Review. After law school, she clerked for Judge Thomas Griffith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District Court.
“Ms. See is an outstanding appellate lawyer. She has spent the last seven years as Solicitor General of West Virginia. During that time, she has overseen civil and criminal appeals in both state and federal courts. Ms. See has fought tirelessly for affordable and reliable energy for American families.
“She has argued two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. In one of those cases, she not only advocated on behalf of West Virginia – she also advocated on behalf of other states, including my home state of Wyoming. And she won.
“Ms. See has a long track record of giving a voice to people who are impacted by federal actions. In fact, my concern for farmers and other landowners is a principal reason why I do support Ms. See. During the Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s hearing on the nominations, Ms. See was asked if she would ‘exercise extreme care’ when considering applications for electric transmission lines. Of course, she said ‘yes.’ She went on to explain that she would faithfully adhere to and apply the law. …
“If confirmed, Ms. See will bring an impressive experience working with complex statutes to the commission. She will also help the Commission understand how its decisions impact farmers and other landowners. I firmly believe that if we fail to confirm Ms. See, farmers and landowners will be worse off.
President Joe Biden had nominated See earlier this year. 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.
“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,” said Charlie Burd, executive director of the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia. “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.”
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey praised See after her Senate confirmation.
“I am very proud that Lindsay See, West Virginia’s Solicitor General, was confirmed as a commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission," Morrisey said. "I am confident that Lindsay will serve the commission to the best of her abilities, just like her dedication to the people of West Virginia through the Attorney General’s Office.”