WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following comment in response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) issuance of a policy statement on the commission’s role regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mercury and air toxics standards:

"Today’s policy statement by FERC makes obvious that the commission needs clear statutory authority to protect electric grid reliability in the face of new EPA environmental rules,” Murkowski said. “The policy statement acknowledges that whether the EPA ‘considers or relies on the commission’s comments… rests entirely with the EPA.’ The nation must have an effective and credible protector of a reliable and affordable electric supply. FERC and the entities under its jurisdiction should be that protector, and EPA should be required to fully account for their comments and concerns.”

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For further information, please contact Robert Dillon at 202.224.6977 or robert_dillon@energy.senate.gov or Megan Hermann at 202.224.7875 or megan_hermann@energy.senate.gov.

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