FERC names Chatterjee as new chairman

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced this week that Kevin McIntyre would step down as chairman due to ongoing health issues.

President Donald Trump has designated Neil Chatterjee to replace McIntyre as chairman.

“It is with a heavy heart that I step into this role while my friend and colleague, Kevin McIntyre, focuses on what’s most important: his recovery and his family,” Chatterjee said. “I am confident that the commission will continue to benefit from his consummate knowledge of the law and of energy policy through his service as commissioner. On behalf of the entire FERC community, I wish Kevin and the McIntyre family continued strength and resolve at this challenging time.”

Chatterjee was nominated to FERC in May 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in August 2017. Before that, he served as energy policy advisor to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

“Although this is a difficult period for the Commission, I want to assure my fellow Commissioners, staff within the building and stakeholders outside it, that it’s my full intention to build upon Kevin’s hard work. But above all, I look forward to the day when my friend is back at full capacity,” Chatterjee said.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, thanked McIntyre for his service.

“I thank Chairman McIntyre for his leadership at the agency, and pray for his swift recovery and return to good health as he continues as a commissioner,” Murkowski said. “I’m confident that Chairman Chatterjee will once again effectively lead the agency, and I will work with my Senate colleagues to restore a full complement of commissioners as quickly as possible.”