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Kaine votes no on appointee to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Chris Graham
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Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., cast a symbolic vote on Tuesday against the nomination of David Rosner to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, on the same day that the FERC approved operations of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

A press release from Kaine’s office noted his concerns with federal legislation written to appease West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin that greenlit the MVP by exempting it from normal permitting processes and eliminating judicial review of the project.

“I have long advocated for a more fair and transparent process when it comes to permits for natural gas pipelines. Like many Virginians, I was deeply frustrated by Congress’ decision to greenlight the MVP without normal administrative or judicial review, which took away my constituents’ ability to share their concerns,” Kaine said in a statement.

“Today—the day that the MVP asked FERC for permission to switch on the gas—I voted no on rubber-stamping the same old people to FERC, especially to replace a commissioner who was forced out for implementing the kinds of permitting process improvements that Americans deserve,” Kaine said.

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham, the king of "fringe media," a zero-time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, and a member of zero Halls of Fame, is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].