In Louisiana, an electoral upset could mean a breakthrough for renewables

[RandySF]

In every state across the country, there's a small government body that oversees the private utilities responsible for providing basic services like electricity, water, and telecommunications. These public servants are rarely paid much attention — most people likely have no idea who they are or what they do. But they got a rare moment in the spotlight in Louisiana last weekend when Davante Lewis, a Democrat and first-time political candidate, won a seat on the state's Public Service Commission in a highly anticipated runoff election.

The race was animated by debates over campaign finance and corruption, which climate advocates claim has obstructed Louisiana's transition to clean energy. Lewis' supporters hope his win will help the state, which currently ranks 50th in the country for renewable energy production, chart a new path. But the issues at play in the election are not unique to Louisiana.

"This race and the amount of money that's pouring into it is contributing to the conversation of, what is the job and role of a public service commissioner?" said Shelby Green, a research fellow at the Energy and Policy Institute, a nonprofit utility watchdog group. "And is it ethical for a commissioner, whose job is to regulate companies, to receive campaign contributions from those companies?"




https://www.salon.com/2022/12/13/in-louisiana-an-electoral-upset-could-mean-a-breakthrough-for-renewables_partner/

[gratuitous]

1. Hmmmm . . .

"Is it ethical for a commissioner, whose job is to regulate companies, to receive campaign contributions from those companies?" Interesting question, but luckily, the Supreme Court has already answered it: No. It is the official policy of these here United States that millions and billions of dollars from unknown sources has no effect on elections (Citizens United).