Bay has been publicly criticized by twin investment fund managers Kevin and Richard Gates, who have been under investigation for market manipulation by Bay in his capacity as Director of FERC's Office of Enforcement, without being officially charged. The Gates have recently made their case public in an effort to stymie Bay's nomination.
In LaFleur Cruises, Bay Bruises in Confirmation Hearing, RTO Insider reports:
When Bay stood up to be sworn in, Richard and Kevin Gates — the twin hedge fund managers whose case Scherman cited as exhibit A — were sitting in the row behind him. Richard was on camera, over Bay’s shoulder, during the entire two-hour hearing.
Meanwhile, West Virginia's Joe Manchin used his time to talk about his master, coal. I wonder what coal thinks about Norman Bay?