Nominees for energy and environmental roles under discussion

Trump Announces New Appointments to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

In a move that could potentially shift the direction of FERC on various energy-related issues, President Donald Trump has made several new appointments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

David LaCerte, a former Louisiana veterans official and White House adviser, has been chosen by Trump to fill a shorter slot on FERC, ending in 2026. If confirmed by the Senate, LaCerte could play a significant role in decisions regarding gas pipeline approvals and data center energy demands.

The confirmation of LaCerte, alongside another new appointee, energy attorney Laura Swett, would provide Trump with a majority on the commission. Swett has been tapped to serve a full five-year term on FERC through 2030.

Donald Trump also nominated David Rosner to the FERC chairmanship in mid-2025. Rosner, who had been serving as a commissioner since his nomination, is expected to steer the commission's course on grid oversight, energy markets, and fossil fuel infrastructure, should he be confirmed.

However, the independence and future role of FERC in these areas remain in question. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has announced that it will question Trump's two latest picks for FERC, raising concerns about the potential impact of these appointments on the commission's impartiality and its ability to regulate the energy sector effectively.

As these appointments proceed, it is clear that the future of energy policy in the United States is poised for significant change. The confirmation hearings for David LaCerte and Laura Swett are expected to shed more light on how these new appointees plan to approach their roles and what their tenures on FERC might mean for the nation's energy landscape.