Staff authorized to review federal electricity legislation and prepare comments related to the Federal Power Act

The commission authorized staff to review proposed federal legislation that may affect the Federal Power Act and directed staff to prepare draft comments for the commission’s later approval.

A staff member said they had been made aware of potential federal legislation that “affects the Federal Power Act” and asked the commission for permission to review the proposal and prepare comments so the commission could approve them later. The staff request was presented as a proactive measure to allow adequate time for a substantive response rather than a rushed reaction.

Brian Johnson, staff, asked for permission, saying the goal was to “review that and prepare comments for you guys' approval later to, address this matter.” A commission member confirmed, “We will see them before they go out, though.” The commission raised no objection; one member verbalized support, “No. That makes sense,” and the request was approved as direction to staff. The staff member said the commission would receive the information and be able to provide input before any comments are sent.

This was recorded as direction to staff rather than a formal referral or vote. Staff will circulate the information they receive about the federal proposal and share draft comments with the commission for review and approval before any external submission. The meeting did not specify deadlines, the contents of the draft comments, or the identity of the bill author.