On July 20, 2021, Representative Sean Casten (D-IL) launched the "Hot FERC Summer" campaign aimed at boosting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) visibility in Congress.[1] Hot FERC Summer is a play on rapper Megan Thee Stallion's 2019 song "Hot Girl Summer." The campaign is also intended to highlight the need for President Biden to name a Democratic commissioner to FERC to give Democrats a majority on the commission for the first time in years.

The campaign was launched alongside the Energy PRICE Act, a policy that clarifies that FERC has the responsibility to consider the cost of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in ratemaking decisions. The legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Mike Levin (D-CA), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR). It points out that under the Federal Power Act (FPA), Congress granted FERC the authority and responsibility to include GHG emissions and other external factors when considering what rates are just and reasonable. Under this policy, FERC could conclude that it has the authority to implement a carbon price in U.S. wholesale power markets. In addition to the Energy Price Act, Rep. Casten has plans to introduce or has introduced two other FERC-related bills. The congressman plans to reintroduce the Right to Timely Rehearings at FERC Act, intended to expedite the rehearing process. Additionally, in April 2021, Rep. Casten and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced the Interregional Transmission Planning Improvement Act to improve regional transmission planning.[2]

[1] https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-casten-kicks-hot-ferc-summer-introduction-energy-price-act-and

[2] https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-heinrich-announce-bicameral-bill-recharge-electric-transmission-planning