James Hoecker, US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission chairman, said Wednesday he would leave the panel Jan. 18.
Hoecker was named a commissioner in 1993 and reappointed to a 5-year term in 1995. President Bill Clinton designated him as chairman of the five-member commission in 1997. Clinton nominated him to another 5-year term last November, and since that occurred while the Senate was in recess, Hoecker could have continued on the commission until next November.
Since there was an existing vacancy, Hoecker's departure will enable President-elect George W. Bush to fill two seats on the regulatory body, which governs interstate electricity, hydroelectric, and natural gas firms.
Bush likely would have designated a new chairman if Hoecker had remained. Hoecker gave no reason for his resignation and did not disclose his future plans.
Hoecker noted, "There are many dramatic new challenges for the FERC to address. It now becomes the task of others to plot the commission's future course."
During Hoecker's tenure as chairman, FERC launched major structural changes in the bulk electric power markets with Order 2000, which formed regional transmission organizations.
It also issued Order 637 to improve competition in interstate natural gas markets and implemented a policy which gave right of way owners and those with environmental concerns more input in the natural gas pipeline permitting process.
Hoecker launched a program to reshape FERC along the lines of the industries it regulates. The reorganization focused on more consultation with applicants for permits, deeper understanding and monitoring of energy markets, and faster decisions on permits.
