INGAA Supports Commissioner Kelly

March 18, 2004
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500


Attention: Dina Powell, Assistant to the President for Personnel


Dear Mr. President:
I am writing on behalf of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) to support the nomination of the Honorable Suedeen G. Kelly for a full term as a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). INGAA represents the owners and operators of interstate and interprovincial natural gas pipelines in North America and has great familiarity with FERC and its members.


Commissioner Kelly joined FERC last November to fill the unexpired portion of the term for the seat previously held by the Honorable Curt Hebert. For this reason, her term will expire on June 30th of this year. Under the law, Commissioner Kelly may remain on the Commission only until the adjournment of the current session of the Congress. Consequently, INGAA believes that it is important the Commissioner be nominated for a new term and confirmed soon. Otherwise, with one Commission seat already vacant, there is the risk that FERC will be reduced to the bare minimum three members necessary to preserve a voting quorum.


While she has been a member of the Commission for only a short time, Ms. Kelly already has gained widespread respect for her intellect, experience, and insight. She has, for example, taken an active role in FERC’s oversight of natural gas quality and interchangeability standards – a key issue in connection with adding more domestic offshore and imported liquefied natural gas resources to the nation’s energy supply. Commissioner Kelly’s background on natural gas and electricity issues has made her a valuable addition to FERC.


Ms. Kelly was an excellent choice when nominated and confirmed last year and deserves to be nominated and confirmed for a full term as a member of the Commission.


Respectfully,
(signed)
Donald F. Santa, Jr.
President INTERSTATE NATURAL GAS ASSOCIATION