FR 2021-04006

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced an online workshop scheduled for April 16, 2021, to discuss the establishment of the Office of Public Participation. This initiative has been mandated by Congress to help the public better understand and engage with the Commission's activities. The workshop will allow interested parties to provide input on various aspects of this new office, such as its functions, structure, and ways to ensure participation from diverse communities, including those previously underrepresented in Commission processes.

Summary of the Document

The notice outlines FERC’s plan to convene a workshop directed by its Commissioners. The aim is to gather input for setting up the Office of Public Participation, which will assist the public in engaging with the Commission's work. As part of their mandate from Congress, FERC is required to report on the progress of this office by June 25, 2021. The workshop will solicit feedback on several topics, including the office’s scope, organizational structure, and the involvement of different communities. Importantly, FERC seeks nominations for panelists to provide specific insights during the workshop. Details about the workshop logistics and panelist nominations are provided, along with contact information for further inquiries.

Significant Issues and Concerns

1. Budget and Financial Transparency: The document does not clearly outline the budget requirements or financial allocations for the new office, which could create concerns over possible ineffective expenditure or lack of accountability.

2. Intervenor Compensation: There is no clarity on how the compensation for intervenors—individuals who participate actively in Commission proceedings—will be funded or structured. This lack of detail might cause uncertainty about the financial implications for stakeholders.

3. Typographical Error: The document asks for panelist nominations by March 10, 2020, a date that precedes the document’s publication and the scheduled event in April 2021. This appears to be a typographical error that might confuse potential nominees.

4. Vague Terminology: Terms like "equity assessment tools" and "environmental justice communities" are mentioned without further explanation. This vagueness could lead to misunderstanding or exclusion if stakeholders are not clear on what is meant or required.

5. Additional Listening Sessions: While the document notes that listening sessions will also be held to gather input, it does not offer preliminary dates or logistical details, which could lead to difficulty in planning for stakeholders wishing to participate.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

The creation of the Office of Public Participation could have a positive impact by enabling broader public involvement in FERC's processes, which could lead to more democratic and inclusive decision-making. For the general public, this office has the potential to demystify regulatory processes and make them more accessible. However, without clear details on financial aspects and logistical information about participation avenues, there might be challenges in this initiative reaching its full potential.

Specific stakeholders, such as environmental justice communities and tribes, might benefit from a targeted approach to participation. Nonetheless, the absence of detailed information about these groups’ involvement could lead to missed opportunities if their specific needs and perspectives are not adequately considered.

Overall, while FERC's effort to open dialogue and increase public participation is a commendable step forward, more clarity and details would enhance transparency and ensure effective stakeholder engagement.