Earthjustice Statement on Confirmation of Bernard McNamee to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Video captured controversial nominee’s remarks on environmental advocates

Contacts

Kim Smaczniak, Earthjustice, (202) 667-4500, ext. 5247

The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Bernard McNamee to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) this afternoon, despite recent leaked video footage in which the nominee trashed clean energy and environmental advocates standing up to polluting interests. McNamee also played a key role in the development of the Department of Energy’s coal and nuclear bailout prior to his confirmation.

The following is a statement from Kim Smaczniak, Clean Energy Staff Attorney at Earthjustice:

“It’s shameful that the Senate rushed the confirmation of Bailout Bernard McNamee after video surfaced demonstrating his bias in favor of dirty energy interests. As we’ve known for some time now, McNamee is a clear threat to the health of our environment who will accelerate the growing trend toward politicization at FERC. Senators should have considered a real, impartial voice for energy markets, not a former dirty industry lobbyist.”

The Schahfer coal-fired power plant in Wheatfield, Indiana.
The Schahfer coal-fired power plant in Wheatfield, Indiana. (Jessica Knoblauch / Earthjustice)

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Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.