FERC Carbon Pricing Conference Shatters Attendance Records, but Where Were the State Voices?

A historic nine and a half hour discussion on carbon pricing attracted at least 2,000 viewers and broke previous attendance records for a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission technical conference, according to Chairman Neil Chatterjee. But Utility Dive reported that the conference's high profile made it hard to ignore the omission of one key stakeholder group whose conflict with the commission has become increasingly obvious this year: states.

Stakeholders also noted another key constituency that was missing—female voices and voices of color. 

"Many voices are not present today, particularly the states and many of my female colleagues thinking and working in this space. I hope there will be an opportunity to solicit a broader sampling of views for the record and in future conferences and dockets," Kate Konschnik, director of the Nicholas Institute's Climate and Energy Program, said in her opening statement during the conference.