Tuesday, October 1, 2019

President Trump Nominates Republican James Danly for FERC (Washington Examiner)


(WASHINGTON, DC) -- President Trump on Monday night nominated Republican James Danly to be a commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The move confirms speculation that Trump would choose to fill only one of two vacancies at FERC by first nominating a Republican without also putting forth a Democrat, as is customary.

Danly has been FERC’s general counsel since 2017. Before that, he was an associate in the energy practice at the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army.

If confirmed, Danly would further tilt the makeup of FERC to the GOP, giving it three Republican commissioners and one Democrat as it considers a docket that includes updating market rules in grid operator PJM, pipeline approvals, and grid resilience.

The sitting commissioners are Democrat Rich Glick and two Republicans, Chairman Neil Chatterjee and Bernard McNamee. Former Republican Chairman Kevin McIntyre died of cancer in January, while Democrat Cheryl LaFleur retired this summer after Senate Democrats indicated they would not support her for a third term.

Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the top Democrat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, had urged Trump to simultaneously nominate one Republican and one Democrat.

Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has also warned that he would block legislation passed by the energy committee unless the White House paired the nominations.

But committee chairwoman Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, was eager to see the White House boost FERC’s number, and has indicated she is not likely to hold up confirmation votes without the White House nominating a Democrat.