Senate panel approves Wood, Brownell for FERC seats

The US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Wednesday approved the nominations of Texas' Pat Wood and Pennsylvania's Nora Mead Brownell to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The nominations now go to the Senate, where confirmation could be delayed if Democrats assume control.

May 23, 2001

By the OGJ Online Staff

WASHINGTON, DC, May 23 -- The US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Wednesay approved the nominations of Texas' Pat Wood and Pennsylvania's Nora Mead Brownell to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Wood is chairman of the Texas Public Utility Commission. Brownell is a member of the Pennsylvania Utility Commission and chairman of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

Last March President George W. Bush named the two Republicans to fill two vacancies on the five-member commission.

Democrats have criticized FERC for its handling of the electric power crisis in California, but raised no objections to Wood and Brownell at their confirmation hearing a week ago (OGJ Online, May 16, 2001).

The nominations now go to the Senate, where a vote on confirmation could be delayed for some time if Democrats assume control.

Sen. James Jeffords (R-Vt.) was expected to leave the Republican party Wednesday afternoon, shifting control of the body to the Democrats.