By Michael Brooks
James Danly was sworn in as a FERC commissioner Tuesday, officially beginning a term to end in 2023 and giving Republicans a 3-1 advantage on the commission.
Danly, who had been serving as general counsel for the commission since September 2017, was sworn in by 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Danny J. Boggs, for whom he once served as law clerk.
“I’m so glad to have James join my colleagues and me as a commissioner, particularly as FERC is dealing with many pressing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to continuing the important work of the agency,” FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee said. “The commission and the American people will benefit from Commissioner Danly’s viewpoint on the many issues that we now have before us.”
“Welcome to FERC Commissioner James Danly! I look forward to working with him in his new capacity,” tweeted Commissioner Richard Glick, the lone Democrat.
“Congratulations to James Danly on being sworn in as a commissioner at FERC,” Commissioner Bernard McNamee tweeted. “He has been a valued adviser while general counsel and will be a great colleague on the commission.”
The U.S. Senate confirmed Danly’s nomination to the commission March 12. (See Senate Confirms Danly to FERC.) He fills a seat left open by the death of Commissioner Kevin McIntyre in January 2019. McNamee, whose term ends June 30, has said he would stay on until a replacement for his seat is confirmed or the end of the year.
To replace Danly — at least temporarily — Chatterjee named Deputy General Counsel David Morenoff as acting general counsel.
“David is a consummate professional and outstanding lawyer,” Danly said. “I have relied on his wise counsel since the beginning of my tenure at FERC. I appreciate his willingness to accept this role and am confident that he will provide much-needed continuity during these difficult times.”
