Workshop Regarding the Creation of the Office of Public Participation

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:00:00 GMT

A February 22, 2021 notice announced a Commissioner-led workshop to be held on April 16, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The workshop will follow a series of listening sessions with stakeholder groups.

The workshop will provide interested parties with the opportunity to provide input to the Commission on the creation of the Office of Public Participation. The Commission intends to establish and operate the Office of Public Participation to “coordinate assistance to the public with respect to authorities exercised by the Commission,” including assistance to those seeking to intervene in Commission proceedings, pursuant to section 319 of the Federal Power Act (FPA). 16 U.S.C. § 825q–1. Congress directed the Commission to provide, by June 25, 2021, to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report on the Commission’s progress towards establishing the Office of Public Participation, including an organizational structure and budget for the office, beginning in fiscal year 2022.

The Commission plans to hear input on the following considerations in forming the Office of Public Participation, including:
  • the office’s function and scope as authorized by section 319 of the FPA;
  • the office’s organizational structure and approach, including the use of equity assessment tools;
  • participation by tribes, environmental justice communities, and other affected individuals and communities, including those who have not historically participated before the Commission; and
  • intervenor compensation.

The Commission seeks nominations for stakeholder panelists to provide input about each of these areas of consideration at the workshop by March 10, 2020. Each nomination should indicate name, contact information, organizational affiliation, what issue area the proposed panelist would speak on, and suggested workshop topics to [email protected].

For questions, please contact Stacey Steep of the Office of General Counsel at (202) 502-8148, or send an email to [email protected], and Sarah McKinley, (202) 502-8368, [email protected], for logistical issues.