Consumer Energy Alliance Announces New Board Member Additions

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) welcomed two noteworthy energy experts to its growing board of directors, CEA President David Holt announced today.

One of CEA's new directors is Michelle Michot Foss, Ph.D., a fellow in energy, minerals and materials at Rice University's Baker Institute.

She brings a wealth of energy, minerals and supply chain research expertise to CEA, as well as over 45 years of experience working within the oil, gas and mining industries. Over the past four decades, Michot Foss developed and directed research on energy value chain economics and commercial frameworks to support global investment while serving in several positions at The University of Texas at Austin (UT) and the University of Houston. Her career research highlights include reviewing oil, gas and minerals markets for local, national and international government bodies, including the Texas Comptroller, U.S. Energy Information Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, World Bank, Japan's External Trade Organization and other institutions. She is an oft-quoted voice on energy matters in the media.

"Since our founding in 2005, CEA has benefited from Michelle's energy expertise and policy counsel," Holt said. "She uniquely understands how energy markets globally affect American consumers. Michelle's experience developing policies and conducting energy research brings a critical perspective to the CEA board, and we look forward to utilizing her expertise to advance the interests of energy consumers."

"After working closely with David since CEA was founded in 2005, I am thrilled to more officially help guide the organization over the next several years. We need organizations like CEA to build consumer and customer awareness on energy policy tradeoffs that can constrain energy supply and increase costs. CEA's unique focus on consumer impacts is critical. American families and businesses need all of the help they can get to better understand and deal with energy price risks, and CEA is a great voice to lead that mission,' said Michot Foss.

CEA also welcomed new Board Member, Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission. Chett has spent over 18 years with the Port and also serves on the Louisiana Governor's Advisory Commission for Coastal Activities, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Finance Corporation, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's Renewable Energy Task Force.

Chiasson is on the Executive Board of Restore or Retreat, a regional non-profit coastal restoration advocacy group, as well as the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities (Vice Chair), the Board of Directors of the Gulf Ports Association (Vice President), a member of the Ports Association of Louisiana, National Ocean Industries Association, and Business Network for Offshore Wind.

"With Port Fourchon being one of the most important ports in America, and the only Louisiana port directly on the Gulf of Mexico, it is an absolute privilege to have Chett join CEA's Board of Directors," Holt said. "Chett knows firsthand how important energy is to American consumers' daily lives and how we all live, work and raise our families. Being a proud steward of Louisiana's critical coastal habitats, Chett also knows how energy development and conservation policies can and must go hand-in-hand. We look forward to using his vast experience in Louisiana to help CEA advocate for expanded access to responsible energy production and continuously improving environmental standards ? as a means to grow our economy, lower energy prices and improve energy security and reliability."

"I have long appreciated CEA's message and mission. CEA's unique focus on the energy supply chain is what has drawn me to the organization. I look forward to expanding CEA's reach to U.S. ports and other critical infrastructure so that all American families and businesses can fully benefit. I am honored to be a part of this critical mission to ensure that all Americans enjoy the opportunity to have affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy," said Chiasson.

The full list of CEA's board members can be found here.

About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America's environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation's dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation's energy needs.