Obama names LaFleur acting chairman of energy panel

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama has named a former utility executive as acting chairwoman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Cheryl LaFleur, who has served on the commission since 2010, replaces Jon Wellinghoff, who stepped down Sunday.

Wellinghoff announced his resignation in May, but had stayed on after Obama's nominee to succeed him, Ron Binz, withdrew his nomination in October in the face of strong opposition in Congress and after being unable to win approval from a key congressional panel.

Wellinghoff was recently criticized by some lawmakers for staying on, even after announcing that he would join Stoel Rives Llp, a law firm specializing in energy and environmental litigation, after leaving the agency.

The elevation of LaFleur leaves the five-member commission one member short and -- with two Democrats and two Republicans -- potentially deadlocked on certain decisions.

FERC is an independent agency that regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas and oil.

LaFleur, a Massachusetts native, said in a statement she was honored to lead the commission as the nation makes substantial changes in its energy supply and infrastructure.

LaFleur, who has a law degree from Harvard, joined the commission in 2010 after a long career in the electric and natural gas industry, including a stint as acting chief executive officer at the utility company National Grid USA, a subsidiary of National Grid Plc.

In recent years FERC has instigated high-profile investigations against major banks, including JP Morgan Chase & Co and Barclays Plc for energy market manipulation and false reporting.

The agency imposed more than $304 million in fines against energy companies in fiscal 2013, its highest ever.

President Barack Obama has not announced a new nominee.