Democrat Willie Phillips Resigns From Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

The move paves the way for President Donald Trump to nominate another member that would give the panel a Republican majority.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Acting Chairman Willie Phillips in 2016. Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia Annual Report

Willie Phillips, a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) who served as its chairman under the Biden administration, resigned on April 21, the commission said.

Phillips, a Democrat, served as FERC’s chairman from Jan. 3, 2023, to Jan. 20, 2025.

The commission is an independent agency that regulates the interstate sale and transmission of electricity and natural gas.

Phillips was initially sworn in as a member of the commission on Dec. 3, 2021, and his term had been set to run through June 30, 2026.

Mark Christie, a Republican who chairs the commission, announced in a statement that Phillips had stepped down, describing him as a dedicated and selfless public servant who did an outstanding job as chairman.

“Willie has been a good friend for whom I have tremendous respect and affection. ... He and I worked together on many contentious issues to find common ground and get things done to serve the public interest,” Christie said. “We will miss him here at FERC. I wish him and his family the very best for future success – and I am confident he will continue to be successful in whatever career path he chooses.”

Before his appointment, Phillips was an experienced regulatory attorney with nearly 20 years of legal expertise in public and private practice, including in the areas of public utility regulation, bulk power system reliability, and corporate governance, according to his official biography. He was the first African American to serve as the FERC chairman.

The FERC comprises up to five members, who are appointed by the president with the advice and approval of the Senate. They serve five-year terms and have an equal vote on regulatory matters.

No more than three members of the commission can belong to the same party.

Phillips’ departure ends the Democratic Party’s majority and paves the way for President Donald Trump to nominate another member who would give the panel a Republican majority.

Trump is focused on boosting domestic production of oil and gas and advancing a proposed 124-mile natural gas pipeline to bring gas from Pennsylvania to consumers in New York state. The move has been blocked by New York lawmakers.

Trump has also repealed President Joe Biden’s efforts to block oil drilling in the Arctic and in large areas off the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

Advanced Energy Economy, a national trade association that represents the advanced energy industry, praised Phillips’ work to modernize the United States’ grid and reform critical energy issues during his tenure as both chairman and commissioner.

“He has championed policies that empower stakeholders and make America’s grid stronger, guiding the commission to modernize transmission planning, generator interconnection, and electric reliability,” the association said in a statement. “He has worked tirelessly to build consensus on difficult issues, and his legacy at FERC to keep America’s lights on and power our economy will continue for many years.”

The association said it looks forward to working with Christie and the other commissioners to continue progress on “grid reliability, solutions that bolster competition, and efforts to lower costs for consumers and secure America’s energy independence.”

“As the Administration considers candidates to fill the Commissioner seat, we urge them to consider someone who will prioritize robust competition, work to modernize regulations to reflect new technologies and innovations, and promote regulatory certainty,” it said.

Phillips confirmed his departure in a statement on LinkedIn, in which he thanked his colleagues and the FERC staff for their “outstanding service and dedication.”

“As my time at FERC comes to a close, I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished to advance a more reliable and affordable energy future for all Americans,” he said.

However, Phillips warned that the United States’ grid still faces growing challenges, including surging demand driven by data centers and an urgent need for transmission reform, among others.

“These complex issues demand bold, innovative solutions, and I look forward to continuing to work on them in the next chapter of my journey,” Phillips said.

The Epoch Times contacted the White House for further comment but received no response by publication time.