WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), and Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) today wrote to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Cheryl LaFleur seeking information regarding any consultation between FERC and the Environmental Protection Agency in the development of EPA’s Clean Power Plan and other major rules impacting electric reliability.

The letter also calls on FERC to convene a technical conference with federal agencies and stakeholders to discuss the reliability challenges posed by new federal environmental regulations.

The request follows a recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) that raises concerns about EPA’s Clean Power Plan proposal and its potential impact on the reliability of the nation’s electric grid. In the report, NERC questioned EPA's assumptions and called for additional reliability analysis.

Testimony from FERC commissioners at separate Senate and House hearings also suggests EPA did not properly consult with the commission when writing its proposed rule and ignored recommendations from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that a formal, documented process be established among relevant federal agencies to monitor reliability challenges.

“The reliability of the grid is not optional,” Sen. Murkowski said. “It has been apparent for some time that we may need to protect the grid from our own federal actions and ensure the growing number of environmental rules do not negatively impact reliability. The challenge before us is maintaining and improving reliability and ensuring our energy supply remains affordable.”

“New environmental regulations pose one of the most serious threats to our nation’s electric grid. This administration continues to regulate too much too fast without proper consideration of the consequences for American consumers,” said Rep. Upton. “It is imperative that we know how these rules will impact reliability before they are implemented and that we have a plan in place to ensure that American families and businesses can keep the lights on.”

“Recent reports have raised significant concerns over the reliability impacts of EPA’s Clean Power Plan and other rules as to whether our grid can sustain the president’s proposed electricity sector overhaul. We can’t afford to play a guessing game when it comes to reliability, and we need to be assured that EPA won’t simply leave Americans in the dark,” said Rep. Whitfield.

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