Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chair Willie Phillips attempted to defend his agency’s sweeping transmission rule at a hearing Wednesday, as House Republicans attacked its potential impact on energy prices.
The House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing was the first opportunity for Republican lawmakers to question commission members over the plan since its release in May.
“The ultimate purpose here is clear: Prioritize those projects meant to serve an environmental agenda by creating a set of seven broad benefits designed to assist transmission developers socializing costs across a broader rate base,” said Energy, Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.).
At the hearing Wednesday, Republicans also attacked a recent EPA power plant rule and Democrats raised question’s about historically disadvantaged communities.
