Chilton will lead CFTC's Energy Markets Advisory Committee

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

The appointment by Acting CFTC Chairman Michael V. Dunn could signal a more aggressive approach by the advisory committee since Chilton frequently issued written dissents to decisions announced by Walter L. Lukken, who chaired the CFTC during US President George W. Bush's administration.

Chilton will succeed Lukken who has been the 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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