FR 2025-02839

The document under discussion is a formal notice of a forthcoming meeting, published by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which is part of the Energy Department. This notice, consistent with the requirements of the government in the Sunshine Act, outlines the basic logistics of an open meeting scheduled for February 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. Members of the public have the option to watch the meeting live via a webcast available on the Commission's website, ensuring broad accessibility.

General Summary

This notice is straightforward in its basic format, presenting essential information about the date, time, location, and status of the meeting. Following the meeting, a press briefing is scheduled, available for remote viewing at the Commission's headquarters, adding a layer of transparency. Additionally, the notice provides contact information for individuals seeking more details or updates concerning the meeting's agenda.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One issue that emerges is the lack of detailed information about the specific agenda items for the meeting. This absence of specificity could lead to uncertainty about what topics will be discussed, potentially affecting stakeholders interested in particular regulatory or policy issues. Furthermore, the statement that agenda items might be "deleted without further notice" raises concerns about transparency and possible limitations on public engagement.

The notice also lacks clarity on whether the post-meeting press briefing is accessible remotely to a broader audience or only through limited attendance at the Commission's headquarters. This could impact those who cannot attend but wish to be informed about the proceedings.

Additionally, while the document references technical support for webcasts, it does not address how technical issues will be managed during the live streaming. Such details would be beneficial to ensure that all interested parties could reliably access the meeting online.

Lastly, the inconsistent format of the dates in the document may lead to confusion about the meeting timeline and related communications. Ensuring uniformity in documentation helps maintain clear and effective communication.

Impact on the Public

The document demonstrates an effort to engage the public by offering open access to the meeting through a live webcast. This move has the potential to enhance transparency and allow a broader audience to participate in government processes, thus fulfilling a key objective of the Sunshine Act.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly affected by FERC's actions, such as energy companies, environmental groups, and policy makers, the lack of detailed agenda transparency might hinder their preparation and strategic responses. Additionally, the uncertainty regarding changes to the agenda may affect these stakeholders' abilities to effectively engage or advocate on specific issues.

However, the provision of contact information and online resources to view public documents related to the meeting represents a positive step for stakeholders who may need to retrieve additional context or information about changes or developments announced during the meeting.

In summary, while the notice makes significant strides in providing accessible information to the public, addressing the outlined concerns could enhance transparency and ensure more effective stakeholder engagement.