03.20.12

Hoeven Presses For Quick Confirmation of Clark to the FERC

Senator Touts Clark's ND Experience at Senate Energy Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today said North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark’s experience and work in North Dakota and as chair of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) make him an ideal candidate for a position on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Hoeven introduced Clark at a Senate Energy Committee hearing today and urged his Senate colleagues to quickly confirm Clark, who was nominated in January for the FERC position.  

While serving as governor, Hoeven worked closely with Clark. As senator, Hoeven recommended him to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who nominated Clark for the Administration’s consideration. The Administration submitted Clark’s nomination for the FERC position in January. The FERC works to assist consumers in obtaining reliable, efficient and sustainable energy services at a reasonable cost through appropriate regulatory market means. 

“Tony Clark has the knowledge and background to make tremendous contributions to our national energy discussions and will serve well as a member of the FERC,” said Hoeven. “North Dakota has benefitted greatly from his leadership and Tony has great knowledge and understanding of energy issues. We highly recommend him to this national position, and I urge the Senate to act quickly to confirm Tony as a member of the commission.”

Clark was elected to his position with the North Dakota Public Service Commission in 2000, and re-elected in 2006. As commissioner, Clark has been active in state and regional efforts to develop North Dakota’s energy exporting potential and provide affordable, reliable energy to consumers. In his decade as commissioner, Clark has overseen regulatory proceedings that have made more than $3 billion in new investment in North Dakota possible through expanded wind, coal, and oil and gas infrastructure. 

From November 2010 to November 2011, Clark served a one-year term as president of the NARUC, where he led the association on matters important to the regulatory community and utility consumers while working with state and federal lawmakers and key stakeholders. Before his work as North Dakota’s public service commissioner, Clark served in the state legislature for four years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University in Fargo, and a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.