Power industry vet poised to be Energy Department chief of staff

Incoming Energy Secretary Rick Perry is likely to tap power industry insider Brian McCormack to be his chief of staff, Energywire reports. McCormack is the vice president for political and external affairs with the Edison Electric Institute, a major trade group representing investor-owned utilities, and a former George W. Bush administration aide.

Why it Matters: The selection of a familiar name will provide some ballast to an industry facing a new political and policy landscape under the Trump administration. Perry, the former Texas governor, is expected to win Senate confirmation soon.