JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — State Rep. Noel Torpey, who won re-election in a swing district in November with 61 percent of the vote, will be resigning his House seat to serve as executive director of the Fair Energy Rate Action Fund (FERAF).
FERAF, which was formed in 2008, is a consumer and employer advocacy group that lobbies Missouri lawmakers and regulators to keep AmerenUE utility rates low. Torpey will be taking over for FERAF’s current director, Chris Roepe.
“Chris has done an excellent job of furthering their mission,” Torpey said. “I’m honored to continue that work and make sure that utility rates don’t continue to increase at the level they have been for the last 5 years.”
Torpey said that his decision to take the position was two-fold. First, he said, advocating for lower utility rates for consumers was “honorable” work that benefited often the most needy Missourians. Torpey also said the opportunity to spend more time with his family was too good to pass up.
Torpey’s fellow lawmakers applauded the move.
“A lot of the issues [FERAF] deals with are very contentious, and Noel is a person who can find a way to compromise and work through things,” said Rep. Mike Cierpiot, Assistant Majority Floor Leader. “It’s a great matchup for FERAF, to get someone who knows the issues and will do such a good job.”
“I’m very happy for Noel, FERAF is getting a good man,” said Rep. Jake Hummel, House Minority Leader.
“FERAF hit a home run by hiring Noel Torpey,” Rep. Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, said. “In a building where your word is your bond, you won’t find a stronger more trusted advocate than Noel.”
Collin Reischman was the Managing Editor for The Missouri Times, and a graduate of Webster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
