James Danly

At a glance

James Danly’s Energy Department biography describes an energy-regulation legal career, federal commission leadership and Army service before his deputy-secretary appointment. The department records his swearing-in on June 9, 2025.

Summary sources: [1]

Career and documented accomplishments

• Before the Energy Department, Danly led Skadden’s Energy Regulatory Group after serving as FERC general counsel, commissioner and chairman. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale and a law degree from Vanderbilt and clerked for Sixth Circuit Judge Danny J. Boggs. [1]
• The official biography records two Army tours in Iraq and the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. FERC separately dates his commission chairmanship from November 5, 2020 to January 21, 2021. [1] [2]

Role and nomination context

• The Energy Department’s organization page describes the deputy secretary as overseeing day-to-day operations across offices, laboratories and field organizations, while the secretary directs policy. [3]

Sources and review date

Career and role sources reviewed Oct 14, 2026. These sources may describe developments beyond the nomination snapshot; each nomination entry retains its recorded date and outcome.

1. James Danly

   U.S. Department of Energy. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.

2. Commissioner Danly

   Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.

3. Leadership and organization

   U.S. Department of Energy. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.