Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement regarding the announcement that Jon Wellinghoff, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would step down:

“Under Chairman Wellinghoff’s leadership, FERC launched important investigations to protect consumers against traders and financial firms who manipulated energy markets.” Wyden said. “While we disagreed on electric transmission siting issues, he deserves credit for championing efforts to increase America’s renewable energy supply. His expertise and leadership will be missed.”