Blog Archives: February 2012

Can Governors Help Make Regulation Effective?
February 2012

In a state where rate levels have made headlines, a reporter asked me, "Since the commission is independent, what can the governor do?"  My answer was, "Plenty." 

The consumer's concern is not about rates, but about the monthly bill.  A governor can lead:

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RPS Statutes: Does Favoritism Undercut Their Goals?
February 2012

One of my law students completed a research paper showing that most state renewable portfolio statutes contain provisions favoring in-state sources to the disadvantage of out-of-state sources.  Some advocates of this approach—and of renewable energy—defend this discrimination on the grounds of necessity:  Bringing jobs and economic development to the state softens opposition to the price increases that will result.  Getting a bill passed is worth violating the U.S. Constitution.

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