The FERC has announced that its staff will host a workshop comprised of panel discussions and virtual listening sessions. The virtual event will allow various stakeholder groups and interested parties the opportunity to provide feedback to the agency on the creation and operation of the Office of Public Participation (OPP). The sessions will also allow the public to share their opinions and suggestions on how the FERC should establish the OPP to foster and facilitate public participation. The event, free and open for the public to attend remotely, will take place on Friday, April 16, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT. It can be viewed on the
FERC’s website.
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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)
