Willie Phillips, a Democrat serving on the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC), has stepped down at the request of the White House.
Phillips told Politico that the Trump administration requested his resignation.
“I received communication from the White House indicating they wanted me to move on,” he stated to the news source. “I wasn’t surprised. In fact, I had already intended to do so.”
Republican Mark Christy, the committee chair, declared in a statement that Phillips will be departing from FERC, which functions with a degree of independence from the administration.
“Willy was a close friend with immense respect and admiration. He is a committed and altruistic public servant,” Christie remarked in a statement. “He and I will collaborate on several contentious matters to seek common ground and achieve outcomes that benefit the public.”
“We will miss him at FERC and wish him and his family the very best in their future endeavors.
FERC is the agency responsible for overseeing interstate energy pipelines and power lines, along with gas export terminals. The committee comprises a maximum of five members, with no more than three from the same political party.
Committee members are appointed by the president and confirmed for a five-year term. Phillips’ term was expected to continue until mid-2026.
Prior to his exit, the committee had three Democrats and two Republicans. With Phillips’ departure, the committee now stands at 2-2, allowing President Trump to nominate Republicans to fill the open positions.
A spokesperson from the White House confirmed Phillips’ resignation, but declined to comment on whether he was asked to resign.
