Kevin J. McIntrye, an energy attorney in Washington, has been named as the new Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The June 13 White House announcement states:

Kevin J. McIntyre of Virginia to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, for the term expiring June 30, 2018, and an additional term expiring June 30, 2023, and upon confirmation, shall be designated Chairman. Mr. McIntyre is the co-leader of the global Energy Practice at the law firm Jones Day, where he has practiced law for most of his nearly 30-year legal career. A graduate of San Diego State University and Georgetown Law, Mr. McIntyre is a recognized leader in the United States energy regulatory arena, with an expansive Federal Energy Regulatory Commission practice representing clients in all industry sectors—natural gas, conventional electricity, oil, hydropower, wind power and other renewable resources, and energy marketing and trading. His work for energy clients spans administrative and appellate litigation, compliance and enforcement matters, and corporate transactions. Mr. McIntyre is active in energy industry, legal, and educational organizations, as well as in his local community. He lives in Arlington, Virginia, with his wife Jennifer and their three young children.

McIntrye will replace as chairman Cheryl LaFleur, the only currently sitting commissioner, who has been serving as Acting-Chairman but will continue as a FERC member. The McIntrye announcement marks the 4^th appointment to the 5-member commission by President Trump. Neil Chatterjee and Robert Powelson were nominated to the Commission on May 10 and are awaiting a confirmation vote by the Senate (see ABRA Update #129 for their background). On June 28, the President announced his intent to nominate as a Commissioner Richard Glick, a Democrat, who is currently General Counsel of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. At this writing, paperwork on Mr. Glick’s appointment has not yet been sent to the Senate for his nomination to be considered by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Details about Mr. Glick are here.

New FERC Chairman Named by President Trump

ABRA CONSERVATION HUB

ABRA’s Conservation Hub program promotes responsible resource management by providing access to critical information needed for effective public involvement in environmental review and oversight.

Following the defeat of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in 2020, ABRA initiated the Conservation Hub to support informed public engagement with the broader range of environmental issues confronting the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Mountain region. The Conservation Hub builds on the analysis and information sharing capacity achieved through ABRA’s Pipeline CSI project during the years of ACP opposition.

The Conservation Hub is based on the use of GIS mapping to provide details and context for land development projects and management practices that involve risk of environmental harm, as well as for environmental preservation and restoration initiatives. The Conservation Hub also provides access to regulatory documents and assessments related to specific projects or issues.

Multiple Conservation Hub sites, focused on individual projects or issues, have been developed collaboratively with ABRA’s partners and allies. Going forward, we invite conservation groups, individuals, and communities to provide ideas for new Hub sites and GIS mapping that can contribute to informed public engagement on behalf of environmental integrity in the Allegheny-Blue Ridge region.