N.D. regulator expected to be nominated for open seat

Source: Hannah Northey • E&E • Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2012

President Obama is expected to nominate North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today, Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) said in a statement.

Hoeven recommended Clark to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who then asked the administration to consider him.

“Tony is a highly capable commissioner, and he will bring a great amount of knowledge and expertise to this position. North Dakota has benefitted from his leadership, and now is the time for him to take a national advisory role,” Hoeven said in a statement.

Clark would replace Marc Spitzer, a former Republican member of FERC who announced his resignation last month (Greenwire, Dec. 13, 2011). Spitzer was a George W. Bush appointee whose five-year term expired June 30.

Clark served a one-year term as chairman of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners before stepping down last year (E&ENews PM, Nov. 16).

He was first elected to the North Dakota Public Service Commission in 2000 and was re-elected in 2006. Clark also served in the North Dakota Legislature for four years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

Hoeven applauded Clark for his involvement in energy issues and overseeing regulatory proceedings that have made more than $3 billion in new investment in North Dakota possible through expanded wind, coal and oil and gas infrastructure.

FERC’s five members are nominated by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate.