US Prez Trump appoints Indian-American as Chairman of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

October 25,2018:

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump designated Indian-American Neil Chatterjee as Chairman of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), an agency charged with overseeing America’s power grid and deciding on multibillion-dollar energy projects.

Neil Chatterjee, who is FERC Commissioner, would replace Kevin McIntyre as Chairman.

McIntyre resigned on October 22 citing health reasons.

This is for second time that Neil Chatterjee has been designated as FERC Chairman. He served briefly as FERC Chairman from August 10, 2017 to December 7, when McIntyre became its head.

Chatterjee, who was Energy Policy Advisor to US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, has played an integral role in the passage of major energy, highway and farm legislation.

Chatterjee’s parents moved to US from Kolkata about 50 years ago. A Lexington, Kentucky native, he is a graduate of St Lawrence University and the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Prior to serving Leader McConnell, he worked as a Principal in Government Relations for National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and as an aide to House Republican Conference Chairwoman Deborah Pryce of Ohio.

Before being nominated for the FERC by Trump, He worked for the Senate Majority Leader for eight years, .

FERC is responsible for overseeing the electricity markets and ensuring just and reasonable rates; approving applications for infrastructure projects; and playing a role in cyber security and defences.

Source HT