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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release June 19, 1997

          PRESIDENT NAMES JAMES J. HOECKER AS CHAIRMAN OF THE 
                  FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

The President announced the designation of James J. Hoecker, of Eagle River, Wisconsin, as Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Mr. Hoecker has served as a Member of the FERC since May 1993 and was reappointed to a five year term as Member in August 1995. Prior to his appointment to the FERC, Mr. Hoecker was Of Counsel at Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue. From 1988 to 1990, Mr. Hoecker was a partner in the law firm of Keck, Mahin & Cate. Mr. Hoecker served as a member of the FERC staff from 1979 to 1988 as Attorney Advisor, Office of the General Counsel; as Legal Advisor to Commissioners Holden and Sheldon; as Assistant General Counsel for Rulemaking and Legislative Analysis; and finally as Assistant General Counsel for Gas and Oil Litigation. Mr. Hoecker holds a B.A. from Northland College, an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, and a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Mr. Hoecker is a current and long time resident of Alexandria, Virginia.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is an independent commission that regulates the sales for resale and transmission of electric power and the transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce, including the rates and terms and conditions of such services. The FERC is also responsible for the issuance and enforcement of licenses, permits, and exemptions for the development and operation of private hydroelectric projects on navigable waters of the United States. The siting and construction of natural gas pipelines are also among the Commission's responsibilities. In the past decade the Commission has taken the lead in restructuring the electric utilities and natural gas pipeline industries to promote competition and increased consumers benefits. The Chairman of the FERC is designated by the President from among the members of Commission.

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