President Trump has selected a Democrat to chair the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) – a surprising move that passes over the panel’s one Republican member.

Trump selected David Rosner, who was nominated to the commission by President Biden as its leader. Rosner is a former aide to then-Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), who led the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

“I am honored to serve as Chairman and excited to continue working with my colleagues on the Commission and FERC’s extraordinary staff to enable reliable, affordable, and abundant energy for all Americans,” Rosner said. 

FERC is an agency that regulates cross-state energy pipelines and power lines as well as gas export terminals.

The commission is made up of five commissioners who are appointed by presidents but do not necessarily answer to a particular administration – though the president can select who chairs it.

The chair of FERC is in charge of its administrative operations and sets its agenda, deciding what matters get votes.

The panel has two Democratic members, Rosner and Judy Chang, and one Republican member, Lindsay See.

No more than three members of the panel can be from the same political party.