Bernard McNamee, the most recent appointee to the Federal Energy Regulatory (FERC) Commission, announced on January 23 that he will not seek reappointment when his current term expires on June 30, 2020. McNamee, a former partner in the Richmond law firm of McGuireWoods, was appointed to FERC in December 2018 to fill the remainder of the term of Commissioner Ron Powelson, who resigned to become CEO of the National Association of Water Companies. Currently, FERC has only 3 of its authorized 5 commissioners, the number required for a quorum. Should McNamee leave FERC before a replacement is confirmed, FERC would have no quorum to enable it to act.

The Trump Administration has not yet appointed replacements for former commissioners Kevin McIntrye, who passed away in January 2019, and Cheryl LaFleur, whose term ended last summer. For Commissioner McNamee statement on his departure, click here. For more insights, click here.

Another Departure from FERC’s Membership Is Announced

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.