In unexpected move, Trump replaces Chatterjee with Danly as US FERC chairman

New York — In a highly surprising move made public late Nov. 5 as Washington's attention was locked on the presidential election results, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission member James Danly was named chairman of the agency, replacing Neil Chatterjee.

FERC announced President Donald Trump's decision to name Danly chairman in a press release in which Danly praised Chatterjee for his leadership at the agency, saying he had learned under his watch. No reason for the move was given.

Danly said Chatterjee had left his mark at FERC by brokering an agreement that allowed approval of LNG terminals.

Chatterjee also made "a lasting impact through his commitment to protecting competitive markets, modernizing our policies under PURPA, expediting the approvals of much-needed critical energy infrastructure and so much more. I thank Neil for his leadership, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in this new role," Danly said.

Chatterjee's comments in the release suggested he intended to stay on. "[O]ur work – my work – at the Commission isn't over," he said in the statement. "I look forward to working with my friend, Chairman Danly, as well as the next Administration to continue to carry out our important mission."

Democratic Commissioner Richard Glick, in a statement, said that while he and Chatterjee have not always agreed on policy matters at FERC, "I know that Chairman Chatterjee arrived at his views honestly and independently."

He said he appreciated Chatterjee's willingness to ignore party affiliation and work with Glick on several key initiatives. He also congratulated Danly and said he and the new chair have worked well together.

Chatterjee, who joined the commission in 2017, served as chairman from August to December 2017 and then again for a period running from October 2018 until Trump's announcement.

Dany has served as a commissioner since March; prior to that he served as FERC general counsel. He joined the commission early in the Trump administration in 2017.