Dive Brief:
- Ohio utility regulator Lynn Slaby has informed the state's governor that he will not seek a new term at the Public Utilities Commission, resulting in two open seats at the Commission.
- According to Columbus Business First, Slaby informed Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) yesterday in a letter of his decision to not seek another five-year stint on the Commission after his term ends in April. He has served as a commissioner since 2012.
- Slaby's decision follows the departure of Commissioner Howard Petricoff, who Kasich appointed to fill in a vacant seat, but lawmakers refused to confirm him. Applications for two seats are due this week.
Dive Insight:
Selby didn't indicate where he will head next, but in a letter to Kasich he said "it is time for me to move on to another adventure." His departure will leave the commission shorthanded, at least in the near-term.
The PUCO Nominating Council has already requested commissioner applications for two positions: the first is for an unexpired term commencing upon appointment by the governor and ending in 2020. The second is for a five-year term that begins next April. The commission is made up of five commissioners appointed to rotating, five-year terms.
Commissioner Petricoff resigned in December after state lawmakers declined to confirm him. Kasich appointed him months earlier, but there were concerns about his previous work as an attorney with many energy companies, which could have led to many recusals.
PUCO Chairman Andre Porter resigned earlier in 2016, and Kasich named Commissioner Asim Haque to fill his role, opening the vacancy for Petricoff.
The commission cannot have more than three members from the same political party. Columbus Business First points out that the departures of Petricoff and Slaby will leave a Republican and two independents overseeing the state's utilities.
