The close of the Congressional calendar in December marked the end of Commissioner Bill Massey's term and his ten year tenure at FERC. A staunch advocate for consumers, local communities, and the environment, Commissioner Massey, a Clinton appointee from Arkansas, was the only Democrat serving on the Commission for almost 13 months.

His regrettable departure came at the same time that two new Commissioners, Joe Kelliher (R) and Suedeen Kelley (D), were sworn in. Although it was not as prominent or significant as his responsibilities for gas or electricity, Commissioner Massey took a keen interest in hydropower licensing.

His most publicized decisions came in the Commission's 1999 decision to deny a relicense for Edwards Manufacturing and order the dam removed from the Kennebec River in Maine. Although criticized heavily by conservative Senators such as Larry Craig (R-ID), Commissioner Massey was known to have continued to count the vote as among his proudest moments while serving on the Commission.

While in the minority at the Commission, he was also known for his thoughtful dissents on matters of significant environmental policy regarding hydropower licensing. Commissioner Massey is perhaps best known for his steadfast support for the State of California in its efforts to seek penalties and reimbursement from merchant power producers in the wake of the state's 2001 energy crisis.

The Coalition wishes Commissioner Massey a fond farewell and the best of luck!