In a significant win for President Trump, Willie Phillips, a Democratic commissioner on the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), resigned on April 22, 2025, before the end of his term. His decision will allow President Trump to nominate a Republican, which could secure a Republican majority on the essential five-member panel.
For context, many critics pointed out Phillips’ overemphasis on environmental concerns, which they believed punished industry and the average American. In contrast, Mark Christie, Trump’s appointed FERC chair, aims to boost oil, gas, and pipeline projects.
Explaining his reaction, Mark Christie, Republican FERC chair, said, “We will miss him here at FERC, I wish him and his family the very best for future success – and I am confident he will continue to be successful in whatever career path he chooses.”
Christie continued, “Willie has been a good friend for whom I have tremendous respect and affection. He is a dedicated and selfless public servant. As I have said many times, he did an outstanding job as Chairman of FERC. He and I worked together on many contentious issues to find common ground and get things done to serve the public interest.”
Describing his reasons for stepping down, the Democrat said, “These complex issues demand bold, innovative solutions, and I look forward to continuing to work on them in the next chapter of my journey.”
Reacting to the retirement, Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) said, “I’d like to thank FERC Commissioner Willie Phillips for his service to our nation. I worked closely with Willie as Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and I admired his ability to work across party lines to address critical issues facing our nation, including strengthening our power grid to meet our current and future energy needs. Sadly, his departure from FERC is a loss for common sense, responsible government.”
However, in the comments under his post, the commenters mocked the former Democrat, saying, “Phillips’ departure from FERC isn’t a loss—it’s an overdue correction. Bipartisan consensus often means compromising America’s energy future for political theater. While he pushed transmission reforms, FERC still operates like a relic, slow-walking permits for critical infrastructure while foreign adversaries outpace us.”
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Continuing, the same user wrote, “His resignation clears the path for leadership that prioritizes energy dominance over bureaucratic handwringing. The real test? Appointing a commissioner who’ll slash red tape, fast-track nuclear and gas projects, and end the regulatory paralysis that’s left our grid vulnerable. Grid reliability requires decisive action, not endless committee meetings.”
Phillips even angered some liberals, such as one Democrat who said, “You increased fossil fuel usage while the world should be shifting towards green energy. The tipping point is 1.5° C from pre-industrial, and today it is 1.2° C. You failed to protect future generations from climate catastrophe just to placate coal and oil producers.”
According to the written description on his website, “Willie L. Phillips was named by President Biden to be Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on January 3, 2023. He is serving a Commission term that ends June 30, 2026.”
Laying out his expertise, the website stated that Phillips “Is an experienced regulatory attorney combining nearly 20 years of legal expertise in public and private practice. He has an extensive background in the areas of public utility regulation, bulk power system reliability, and corporate governance.”