The U.S. Senate voted 52-40 mostly along party lines to confirm James Danly to join the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a Republican commissioner.
Conservative Democrats Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Doug Jones of Alabama and Kristen Sinema of Arizona broke ranks with their fellow Democrats to vote to confirm Danly.
Danly, who has served as FERC’s general counsel since 2017, will serve the remainder of a term that expires June 30, 2023. Prior to his general counsel work, Danly worked as a lawyer.
FERC’s Republican contingent will enjoy a 3-to-1 majority, but this may not last long as Republican Bernard McNamee has announced his intent not to seek another term when his expires in June.
FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee congratulated Danly on his confirmation.
“This is great news for FERC and for the country,” Chatterjee said. “I have appreciated getting to know and work with James as my General Counsel, where he’s already proven to be an invaluable asset to the commission. James has an exceptional ability to carefully and thoughtfully consider the legal and regulatory questions raised by matters before us, and I look forward to working alongside him as a fellow commissioner.”
