U.S. Attorney Finley Delivers Keynote Address At The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's 28th Annual Observance Of Black History Month

LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley delivered the keynote address at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) 28th Annual Observance of Black History Month Program held on Wednesday, February 26, 2014.  The event was held in Washington, D.C., and was attended by approximately 150 to 180 FERC employees.  In honor of the program’s theme, “Civil Rights in America,” Finley spoke about the history, struggles, and milestones of Civil Rights in the United States.

“It was an honor to be chosen to speak to the great employees of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission,” Finley said.  “FERC and the U.S. Attorney’s Office work together on cases, so it is important for me to thank them in person for all of the work that they do in the energy area.  This year’s Black History Month celebrations are focusing on the Civil Rights Movement.  The call for justice, fairness and equality is always relevant, and it is important to discuss how we implement those ideals in the workplace.  We all have to do our part.  Those who advocated for civil rights stood up for the rights of all Americans.  Each citizen of this great nation has a responsibility to do his or her part.  As President Kennedy said in 1963 when he addressed the nation – ‘The heart of the question is whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated’ – that is still at the heart of the question today.”

The commission has five members who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The President designates a chairman and each commission serves a fixed five-year term with one term expiring every year. The current commissioners are acting chairman Cheryl A. LaFleur, Philip D. Moeller, John Norris and Tony Clark. FERC Executive Director is Anton Porter and the Acting General Counsel is David Morenoff.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent agency of the executive branch of the federal government that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil.  FERC also reviews proposals to build liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and interstate natural gas pipelines as well as licensing hydropower projects.  To find out more about FERC visit www.ferc.gov.

Diversity and inclusion are essential to the successful implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Plan.  Some of the programs and observances that help FERC to promote a diverse workforce are:  M.L. King Jr. Week, Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Women’s Equality Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, Disability Employment Awareness Month and Native American Heritage Month. 

Ms. Finley is the first female U.S. Attorney to serve in Louisiana.  She was selected by President Barack Obama in January of 2010, after being recommended by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June of 2010.  United States Attorney Finley was sworn into office on June 2, 2010 to serve the Western District of Louisiana as the chief law enforcement officer for 42 of the state’s 64 parishes.  In addition to her duties as the U.S. Attorney, Finley is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, and currently serves as Vice Chair of Attorney General Eric Holder’s Advisory Committee’s Office of Management and Budget Committee.