01.08.21

Cantwell, Murray Applaud Selection of John Hairston for BPA Administrator

Cantwell, Murray previously called on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator

WASHINGTON DC – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded the announcement that the Department of Energy (DOE) has selected John Hairston as the Administrator and CEO of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Hairston currently serves as the Acting Administrator, a position he has held since August 2020, and has 29 years of experience working in BPA. His selection follows calls last month by Senators Cantwell and Murray for DOE to only consider candidates with the necessary experience required for the BPA Administrator position.  

“I am glad the Department of Energy has listened to our calls for a strongly qualified candidate for BPA Administrator who understands the Pacific Northwest hydropower system and can balance the needs of rate payers, river users, and the environment,” Senator Cantwell said. “I look forward to working with John Hairston on ensuring our hydropower system continues to modernize, while protecting the Columbia River and its tributaries for years to come.”

“The BPA Administrator plays a crucial role in ensuring that families in Washington state and across the Pacific Northwest have access to quality, affordable energy and power, and over the past few months as Acting Administrator, John has shown he is up to the task,” Senator Murray said. “I’m glad that the Department of Energy has selected an Administrator with the extensive knowledge and experience required to adequately lead BPA and I look forward to working with John to maintain BPA’s independence and public nature.”

From her position on the Energy and Natural Resources committee, Senator Cantwell has led the fight to protect low-cost power throughout the Pacific Northwest, repeatedly opposing efforts to sell off BPA assets and urging the DOE to continue prioritizing BPA and other Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) within the department. Senator Murray has been a longtime supporter of the BPA, and the low-cost energy it provides to millions across the Pacific Northwest, and she has been vocal in her opposition to attempts to privatize the organization and worked with Senator Cantwell to defeat BPA rate hikes.

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