Willie Phillips has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The November 16 action was on a voice vote. Phillips has been Chair of the District of Columbia Public Service Commission and before that was assistant general counsel for the North American Electric Reliability Corp. His confirmation paves the way for Democrats to control FERC, there now being 3 Democrat members and 2 Republicans. President Biden earlier this summer named Democrat member Richard Glick to be FERC Chair.

Senate confirms new FERC Commissioner

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.