Trump announces intent to name DOE's McNamee to fill fifth FERC seat

摘要

President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Bernard McNamee, head of the Energy Department’s policy office, to fill the open seat at the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Having a fifth member on the commission would lower the likelihood of a 2-2 split on natural gas infrastructure approvals or major policy initiatives currently pending at FERC, including on grid resilience and pipeline review policy. FERC has had two Republicans and two Democrats on board since mid-August, when Robert Powelson left the commission. Action in the Senate is viewed as unlikely before the mid-term elections, particularly as Trump has not yet formally made the nomination, and Democrats are likely to object to speedy action in the waning legislative days before the November election. McNamee's role while at DOE in Trump administration initiatives to hold off coal and nuclear retirements is expected to draw some opposition in the Senate, particularly among Democrats. Action during the-lame duck session after the election is possible.