The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday unanimously voted to confirm President Trump’s nominees to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Nominees Kevin McIntyre, Trump’s Republican FERC chairman-in-waiting, and Rich Glick, a Democratic attorney, sailed through their first test, and will now get a vote before the full Senate.
McIntyre is a former energy industry adviser with the global firm Jones Day. Glick serves as general counsel for Democrats at the committee he visited Thursday.
Their confirmation would restore FERC to its full five members.
Last month, the commission returned to action after it was forced to close down for the first time in its 40-year history due to a lack of members. Their ease of confirmation shows senators are confident in the nominees’ independence, an important marker for FERC, which approves and regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas and crude oil.
In recent years, the commission has become a target of environmental groups who think its decisions don’t account for the effects of climate change, and favor pipelines that help drive shale energy development.
McIntyre and Glick stressed in their confirmation hearing this month that they would adhere to the commission’s basic duties of approving and regulating the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil, without favoring one energy source over another.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee also approved other energy-related nominees on Tuesday.
Ryan Nelson, tabbed to be solicitor of the Department of the Interior, earned unanimous support.
Joseph Balash, nominated for assistant secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management, was supported by all but Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn.
David Jonas, Trump’s pick for general counsel of the Department of Energy, had a tougher time, making it through committee by a 14-9 vote. All Democrats except Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., opposed Jonas’ nomination.
All nominations will now go before the full Senate.
