"After this week, FERC will not have enough members to issue major decisions, and confirming a new regulator could take months"

"To an observer of politics, the anemic slate of commissioners at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may be another indication of government upheaval. But for the energy sector, the impending departure of Commissioner Norman Bay means FERC will be unable to field a quorum -- bringing a chunk of the agency's work to a halt, putting gas and power projects in limbo, and potentially leading to legal challenges down the line.

'I'm afraid stuff is going to grind to a halt,' said Kenneth Irvin, co-leader of Sidley Austin LLP's global energy practice.

That appears to be the wide-ranging consensus. Some work will continue at the commission, but until a new commissioner is confirmed the agency will be unable to issue significant orders."

Robert Walton reports for Utility Dive January 31, 2017. [2]