Republican commissioner of key energy panel dies

McIntyre, a Republican nominated by President Trump, was diagnosed in the summer of 2017 with a brain tumor, a condition that forced him to step down as FERC chairman in October after less than a year on the job. He remained a commissioner but had not participated in recent meetings or votes.

McIntyre, 57, upon vacating his position as chairman said he recently experienced a serious health setback, leaving him “unable to perform the duties of chairman with the level of focus that the position demands and that FERC and the American people deserve.”

Neil Chatterjee, a fellow Republican commissioner nominated by Trump, replaced McIntyre as chairman.

“Today is a deeply sad day for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and for all those who had the pleasure of knowing Kevin McIntyre both personally and professionally,” Chatterjee said in a statement. “During his tenure at the commission, Kevin exhibited strong leadership and an unmatched knowledge of energy policy and the rule of law. He exemplified what it means to be a true public servant each and every day, no matter the challenges that lie ahead of him.”

McIntyre’s death leaves FERC with four commissioners, split between Republicans and Democrats. It is unclear how quickly Trump will nominate a replacement.

Among McIntyre’s highlights as chairman was his leadership during FERC’s unanimous vote last January to reject a proposal from Energy Secretary Rick Perry to provide subsidies to struggling coal and nuclear plants.

He also launched a review of FERC’s 1999 policy for approving pipeline projects, aiming to update it to reflect how to best manage the transport of bountiful shale natural gas to market, while balancing environmental and climate change concerns. The review is ongoing.

The commission is also facing a backlog of applications for liquified natural gas export projects.

Before joining FERC, McIntyre practiced energy law at Jones Day.

He is survived by wife, Jennifer, and three children.