Chilton to lead CFTC's advisory committee

March 11, 2009
Bart Chilton, a member of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, was appointed chairman of CFTC's Energy Markets Advisory Committee on Mar. 10.

Nick Snow
OGJ Washington Editor

WASHINGTON, DC, Mar. 11 -- Bart Chilton, a member of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, was appointed chairman of CFTC's Energy Markets Advisory Committee on Mar. 10. Chilton will succeed Walter L. Lukken, who chaired CFTC during the administration of President George W. Bush.

The appointment, by acting CFTC Chairman Michael V. Dunn, could signal a more aggressive approach by the advisory committee because Chilton frequently issued written dissents to decisions announced by Lukken, who has been EMAC's only chairman since it was established in February 2008.

The committee's purpose is to conduct public meetings, to submit reports and recommendations to the commission, and to address issues concerning energy exchanges, firms, end users, and regulators, according to its charter.

"We continue to face questions about the role of speculation in driving energy prices and the regulation of futures contracts in carbon offsets. This advisory committee has a valuable role to play in increasing our understanding of these issues," Dunn said.

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