Brian Willis, 202.675.2386, Brian.Willis@sierraclub.org
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee reported out the nomination of coal bailout architect Bernard McNamee for the technology neutral Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today, despite a newly released video tape of him promoting fossil fuels, deriding clean energy resources, and slandering environmental and public health groups.
In response, Mary Anne Hitt, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign, released the following statement:
“Despite the overwhelming evidence that shows Bernard McNamee has an overt preference for fossil fuels and a retrograde, mocking attitude toward America’s ascendant clean energy industry, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has recklessly advanced his nomination to the full Senate. Chairwoman Murkowski’s decision to support his nomination is especially egregious, considering she rejected Ron Binz’s nomination in 2013 for his simply regulating clean energy resources in Colorado. The Senate must now reject McNamee’s nomination outright, should it come to the floor, in order to preserve FERC’s integrity and independence.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.