Statement: June 30, 2005

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Statement of Joseph T. Kelliher upon his designation by President Bush to be Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

"I am deeply honored and truly grateful to President Bush for the confidence he has placed in me. The Commission has many important public responsibilities, and none is more central than ensuring safe and affordable energy supplies to support our nation's economic growth.

"A central charge for the Commission was clearly expressed by the courts 30 years ago: 'Of the Commission's primary task there is no doubt, however, and that is to guard the consumer from exploitation by noncompetitive electric power companies.' Our task remains the same - protecting wholesale power and transmission customers from unjust and unreasonable rates and from undue discrimination and preference.

"The Commission has many other important responsibilities involving natural gas, hydropower and oil pipeline rate regulation. I look forward to continuing my productive working relationship with my colleagues, Commissioners Nora Brownell and Suedeen Kelly, to ensure the Commission is a fair but firm regulator.

"I have enjoyed working with Chairman Wood and learned much from him. He is a truly dedicated public servant and an honorable man. I wish him and his wife Kathleen and family the best as they move back to Texas.

"One of the first orders of business is to help the President get an energy bill that will prevent market manipulation and exercise of market power, increase investment in our electricity infrastructure, and assure adequate electricity and natural gas supply. I look forward to working closely with Chairman Domenici and Chairman Barton and their colleagues to that end."

R-05-43

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