Jonathan Schneider Talks to The Washington Post About FERC's Climate Policies

04.27.2022

In an article titled "A top energy regulator is in turmoil over climate rules," Stinson Partner Jonathan Schneider provides insight for The Washington Post regarding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) influence on climate change regulation and its quest to remain independent of partisan politics.

Amid current national and international events, FERC is facing major political head winds, adding to the debate over its role in setting climate policy.

Though FERC rarely finds itself under fire, the article details denunciation of the commission from Democratic and Republican lawmakers, and explores the growing rift and increased partisanship that could potentially paralyze FERC and stall action on new energy proposals.

"For most of the time that I’ve been in practice, I looked at FERC as an oasis from partisan politics and I think the agency saw itself that way also," Schneider said. "Now my impression is the commission is responding to more political pressure than ever in its history."

According to Schneider, without a clear national climate policy in place, there is pressure to use existing tools to advance deeply held policy views. Some lawmakers see this as an effort to stretch existing authority, putting FERC in a tough spot.

Schneider draws on deep experience representing clients across the spectrum of electric and natural gas regulation to provide strategic counseling and hands-on conflict management. He advises on a wide array of regulatory issues associated with electric and natural gas utility regulation, market oversight, asset purchase and sale and project development.

Read the full article.