Got climate change? Fix FERC!

To the Editor:
As the Paris climate talks take place and scientists, politicians, activists and the Pope call for solutions, there is one desperately needed fix that remains hidden under the radar.

U.S. energy infrastructure decisions are still made under the direction of the 2005 Bush-Cheney Energy Policy Act, which exempts fossil fuel industries from complying with the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, parts of the Clean Drinking Water Act and other environmental protections. It also gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the green light to approve rapid expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. FERC fails to determine climate change effects of projects it approves. FERC fails to consider renewable energy solutions such as rooftop solar. FERC overruns state and local regulations and uses powers of eminent domain, allowing industry to take private property and conservation land. Until FERC joins the effort to stop climate change, FERC will continue to sabotage it.

Please go to fixferc.com and sign and share the “Fix FERC First” petition.

We call on our federal legislators, the president, and the inspector general of the Department of Energy to:

Conduct an investigation by independent researchers of FERC’s procedures.

Based on investigation results, revise and update FERC’s policies to reflect the critical need to decrease fossil fuel reliance and rapidly expand renewable energy technologies.

Enact a moratorium on new fossil fuel infrastructure approvals by FERC until the investigation is complete and changes are implemented.

Linda Reik
Youngsville, N.Y.