Legislation ending the election of the Alabama Public Service Commission is advancing in the state legislature. House Bill 392, which would transform the PSC into an appointed entity, received approval on Tuesday during a House committee hearing.
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Introduced by State Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollinger's Island), the legislation has now won support from both state officials and federal lawmakers, including the presumptive future governor of Alabama and current U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn).
"I've read this bill, and it's very simple," Tuberville told reporters during a call Wednesday. "We're in a land rush. Companies are coming back to the U.S. and Alabama with a heavy focus on moving all over the southeast. In all states, energy is King for these new industries, and I want experts making sure our utilities are being responsible with taxpayer dollars."
Tuberville argued the overhaul is necessary to ensure the PSC is meeting its statewide responsibilities.
"The PSC isn't aligned with the state leadership to keep utility rates down, which they need to be, and stop ridiculous regulations from being implemented," Tuberville stated. "If they don't do that, then they need to go immediately, not at the end of a six-year term. Alabama is one of only 10 states that elect their public service commissioners, and even with that, all three of Alabama's current commissioners have been appointed, not elected."
The lawmaker pointed to the Tennessee Valley Authority as a prime example of another entity that was in need of changes for similar reasons.
"We've got to raise the bar and ensure the right, qualified people are overseeing our utilities, not politicians looking for their next job or doing political favors when they're up for re-election or election," Tuberville said. "I've seen it firsthand with TVA in the last couple of years. The board of TVA wasn't aligned with President Trump's energy policies or with North Alabama, and they suffered because of it. So what did President Trump do? He cleaned house."
He added, "We can't keep doing the same things and expect different results. The legislature needs to pass this package and focus on the future of the people of Alabama."
The bill is part of a three-bill reform package that includes data center legislation in addition to PSC changes.
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