PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A former Democratic state lawmaker has been confirmed as a member of the state Public Utilities Commission despite concerns from some who point out that he has no experience in energy and utilities issues.
Former Senate Majority Leader John “Jack” Revens was confirmed to the $139,000-per-year seat by the legislature Tuesday by a 29-9 vote after gaining the support of Democratic Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and other members of Senate leadership, The Providence Journal reported.
The commission sets electric, gas and water rates in Rhode Island and implements state energy policies.
Sens. Sam Bell, Kendra Anderson and Cynthia Mendes said they weren’t satisfied by Revens’ answers in a committee hearing last month or in separate conversations with him.
They cited his answers to questions about renewable energy, climate change, utility rate increases and a proposal to limit utility bills for low-income Rhode Islanders that shed little light on his positions.
“Mr. Revens stated that he could not take a position,” Mendes said. “By the best of our understanding, that claim is not supported by Rhode Island law.”
Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin supported Revens’ answers.
“To predetermine which way he’s going to vote doesn’t do that board justice in any way,” she said.
