Two nominations to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission could be decided in part this week when they go before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It could determine whether Republicans maintain control of FERC.
The vote comes after the Trump administration removed Neil Chatterjee as chair of FERC and replaced him with Commissioner James Danly. Chatterjee was reportedly moved because of his support for renewable power and efforts to let energy markets create a price on emissions of carbon dioxide.
The nominations of Allison Clements and Mark Christie have been on hold for months and now are part of a political scenario in the wake of the apparent election of Joe Biden as President. Approval of Clements and Christie would leave them in place as Biden takes office.
Still, the full Senate has to confirm their appointments and if a vote is not taken, it would be up to Biden to either renominate them or replace them with other nominations.
Approval of Clements and Christie would give Republicans control of FERC with a three-two edge over Democrats.
Republicans control the Energy and Natural Resources Committee with an edge of 11-to-9.
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski chairs the committee which includes Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso , Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner who lost his reelection bid, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Sen. Martha McSally who also lost her reelection effort.
