WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich welcomed Norman C. Bay, a former University of New Mexico law professor and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, as the new chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In July 2014, the Senate confirmed Bay with bipartisan support as a commissioner of FERC, and slated him to be named chairman nine months following the confirmation. Prior to serving as a FERC commissioner, Bay had served as Director of the Office of Enforcement at FERC since 2009.
"Throughout his tenure at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and his distinguished record of public service, Norman Bay has demonstrated that he has expertise to lead FERC in protecting consumers and addressing the energy challenges facing New Mexico and our nation," Udall said. "Chairman Bay knows very well that the West - and New Mexico in particular - is blessed with plentiful and diverse energy resources that present great opportunities to grow our clean energy economy and create the good-paying jobs of the future. As the leader of FERC, I'm confident Norman will continue to help ensure the fairness and stability of our energy markets and infrastructure."
"Norman Bay is a dedicated public servant with outstanding credentials and experience to lead the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission," Heinrich said. "As chair, I know he will continue to judiciously implement the law focused on FERC's statutory responsibilities of energy infrastructure, competitive markets, and reliability. Energy is at the heart of almost every issue across the country and a cornerstone of New Mexico's economy. With the nation facing major challenges related to modernizing the grid, I am certain Mr. Bay will serve his new role with distinction and support regulations that build a strong and vibrant energy industry and help create good jobs in New Mexico."
FERC is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas and oil. FERC also reviews proposals to build liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and interstate natural gas pipelines, and licenses hydropower projects.
