Politics — Navigating Air Safety Regulations

White House Names Laura Swett as New FERC Chair

Swett's appointment brings extensive energy law experience to FERC. Her priorities include fostering renewables, improving infrastructure, and driving innovation.

, and Administrator

2025 October 28 . 9:04 PM

1 min read

This image is clicked outside. At the bottom, there is a road. To the right, there is green grass... — This image is clicked outside. At the bottom, there is a road. To the right, there is green grass on the ground. In the background, there are trees. In the front, there are poles along with wires.

White House Names Laura Swett as New FERC Chair

The White House has announced the appointment of Laura Swett as the new chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Swett, a former FERC copilot and energy litigator, replaces Democrat David Rosner, marking the third leadership change at FERC in nine months.

Swett was sworn in as a commissioner just three days before her appointment as chair. Her appointment is expected to provide long-term direction to FERC staff and internal prioritization. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has directed FERC to propose new rules for speeding grid interconnection of large loads, such as data centers, by the end of April. However, the change in leadership may temporarily slow progress at FERC, including on Wright's requests and a long-awaited rule guiding co-location of large energy users with power plants.

Swett's priorities as chair are likely to include fostering renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy infrastructure and supply security, promoting innovation and technology in the energy sector, enhancing transparency and public involvement, addressing energy poverty and price stability, and strengthening international energy cooperation. Energy experts expect Swett to continue the process started by David Rosner, focusing on co-location and expediting natural gas infrastructure.

Laura Swett's appointment as FERC chair signals a commitment to shaping the future of energy policy in the United States. Her extensive experience in energy law and FERC copilot positions her well to navigate the complex challenges facing the energy sector. As she takes the helm, Swett is expected to build on the work of her predecessors, driving progress on key energy initiatives while ensuring transparency and public involvement.