Meet the New FERC Chair: James Danly

HOUSTON (P&GJ) — James Danly was named chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) after former chair Neil Chatterjee ran afoul of President Trump by voicing his support of carbon markets, which Trump opposes.

James Danly

Here is a brief introduction to the new FERC chair:

Despite his new, higher-profile role, Danly is the lesser-known of FERC's current three members – all Trump appointees – having only joined the commission in March 2020 on a three-year appointment.

Danly, like Chatterjee, is one of two Republicans on the commission and formerly served as general counsel to FERC.

Prior to joining the Commission as counsel, he was a member of the energy regulation and litigation group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom LLP.

Earlier in his career, Danly served as law clerk to Judge Danny Boggs at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He was a managing director of the Institute for the Study of War, a military think tank in Washington, D.C., and served an International Affairs Fellowship at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Danly is a former U.S. Army officer who served two tours in Iraq, first with an infantry company in Baghdad and then on staff at Multi-National Force—Iraq, receiving a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

He graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School and holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University. He is licensed to practice law before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

Danly released the following statement after his promotion to FERC chairman:

“I thank President Trump for the honor of appointing me Chairman of FERC.  I appreciate this opportunity and look forward to the work ahead.  I pledge to perform my duties as Chairman consistent with the laws under which we oversee the energy industry.

“I want to express my thanks to Chairman Chatterjee for his indefatigable leadership over these past two years, to Commissioner Glick for his thoughtfulness and dedication, and to Commissioner McNamee for his fidelity to the law.  I appreciate their counsel and their continued efforts as we work together to advance the mission of the Commission.  I would also like to thank Chairman McIntyre for his wisdom and steady hand when he led the Commission.

“Lastly, I wish to express sincere appreciation to the staff of FERC.  I know that with their expertise and continued dedication, we will continue to successfully execute the critical business of the agency.”

 

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