Phillips exits FERC, leaving a seat for Trump to fill

“Phillips did a really good job of getting back to ‘bread and butter’ — cost, reliability issues,” said Devin Hartman, director of Energy and Environmental Policy at the R Street Institute, a free-market think tank. “There are hyper-partisan concerns right now, and the more we can reduce the partisan stigma for sitting commissioners, the better.”

Phillips’ resignation wasn’t a surprise, Hartman said, noting he had recused himself from recent decisions, a sign he was looking for a job.

Also, the White House has been looking for a new FERC commissioner, according to Hartman.

“The White House is considering a Republican replacement for Commissioner Phillips,” he said. “The likely candidates stem from a pool of conservative lawyers with FERC experience.”

It is unclear exactly how long it may take for the nomination process to unfold, according to Hartman. Also, Christie’s future is uncertain. His term ends in June. If he isn’t renominated, he can continue working at the agency through this Congressional session, which typically ends in early January.

FERC is critical to the Trump administration’s energy agenda, and it is significant that the agency, despite its previous Democratic majority, wasn’t the target of White House-ordered firings, according to Hartman.

“I think it does indicate some greater degree of interest in respecting the institution and appreciating its role, more than they have some other government agencies,” he said.