01.23.12

Hoeven: Tony Clark Nomination to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Expected Today

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven announced today that President Barack Obama is expected to nominate North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) later today. Senator Hoeven worked with Clark when Hoeven was governor, and he recommended him to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who nominated Clark for the Administration’s consideration.  Hoeven said Clark is the right person for the job of helping to build our national energy future as he has for North Dakota.

“Tony is a highly capable commissioner, and he will bring a great amount of knowledge and expertise to this position. North Dakota has benefitted from his leadership, and now is the time for him to take a national advisory role,” Hoeven said.

Clark was elected to his position with the 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 National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, 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.

The FERC works to assist consumers in obtaining reliable, efficient and sustainable energy services at a reasonable cost through appropriate regulatory market means.