Photo illustration: Sarah Grillo / Axios. Photo: Rebecca Noble / Getty Images
President Trump on Thursday nominated attorney and former administration official David LaCerte to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Why it matters: LaCerte's selection is a surprise pick for FERC, because he's not well-known in D.C. energy policy circles.
- LaCerte is being nominated to fill the vacant seat left by Democrat Willie Phillips, who has said the White House asked him to leave the commission.
- If confirmed along with nominee Laura Swett, the commission would shift to a 3–2 Republican majority.
Context: The White House wants FERC to do more fast-tracking of fossil fuels to shore up electricity grid shortfalls, leading some agency watchers to fear the energy regulator will become politicized.
- That approach follows its decision not to renominate FERC Chair Mark Christie, who staved off deep DOGE cuts.
Zoom in: LaCerte was most recently a special counsel investigating energy issues for Baker Botts.
- He was a contributor to the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 blueprint for Trump's second term.
- LaCerte also served as senior adviser, executive counsel to the chairman, and acting managing director of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, where he oversaw the agency's response to chemical accidents and incidents.
- He served as a deputy associate director at OPM in Trump's first term and as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
