President Biden announced Willie Phillips as FERC’s Chairman. Phillips formerly served as the Chairman of the D.C. Public Service Commission, during which he focused in part on advancing environmental justice and equity. Philips previously worked for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and two law firms, and has a J.D. from Howard University School of Law. President Biden originally announced his intent to nominate Willie Phillips Jr., a Washington utility regulator, to fill the remaining open seat at FERC on Sep. 9, 2021. Following the appointment, the majority of members on FERC were Democratic appointees. Phillips Jr. was nominated over the objections of many advocates, including over 490 environmental, tribal, and community-based organizations that had previously sent President Biden a letter naming three preferred nominees committed to environmental and energy justice.