Wednesday, April 14. 2021
FERC Will Hold Workshop and Seek Public Comment on Creation of Office of Public Participation
In December 2020, Congress called for the FERC to provide a report detailing its progress towards forming the OPP by June 25, 2021. Pursuant to section 319 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), the FERC must form the OPP to coordinate assistance to the public concerning authorities exercised by the agency, for example, assistance to those desiring to intervene in the FERC proceedings. (16 U.S.C. § 825q–1).
The FERC is requesting input on the following matters related to the formation of the Office of Public Participation:
- participation by tribes, environmental justice communities, and other affected individuals and communities, including those who have not historically participated before the FERC
- the office’s function and scope as authorized by section 319 of the FPA
- intervenor compensation
- the office’s organizational structure and approach, including the use of equity assessment tools
The public may also submit written comments related to the formation of the OPP by April 23, 2021.
FERC staff plan to feature the following sessions at the workshop:
- Landowners and Communities Affected by Infrastructure Development
- Environmental Justice Communities and Tribal Interests
- Tribal Governments
- Energy Consumers and Consumer Advocates
- Evening Listening Session (All Stakeholder Groups)
The listening sessions listed above have already occurred from March 17, 2021 to March 25, 2021. A complete transcript and audio recording for each session is available here.
More details on the workshop, including the event’s agenda, may be viewed in the Supplemental Notice and Agenda and on the Calendar of Events on ferc.gov.
For more information on the listening sessions, contact Stacey Steep, Office of General Counsel, by phone at (202) 502-8148 or via email at OPPWorkshop@ferc.gov. For logistical information, contact Sarah McKinley by phone at (202) 502-8368 or via email at sarah.mckinley@ferc.gov.
Sources:
Workshop Regarding the Creation of the Office of Public Participation (ferc.gov)
Second Supplemental Notice of Workshop (ferc.gov)