FGGAM NEWS just received this News Release from the NM House:
Governor’s unconstitutional effort to consolidate control of PRC moves forward
Santa Fe, NM – The House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources committee today approved House Bill 11, sponsored by Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), a measure that would reorganize the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) and provide the Governor with sole discretion in appointing the elected body’s Chief of Staff. Currently the PRC is an elected body in New Mexico and has recently been the subject of a lawsuit from Governor Lujan Grisham’s administration based on differing views on the implementation of the ETA.
“The New Mexico PRC is a duly elected body established to protect our citizens interest in regulatory matters and the attack on the body should concern consumers across the state,” said Rep. Larry Scott (R-Hobbs), “Democrats in this body are leveraging a full-scale attack on any and all leaders who stand in the way of their progressive agenda”
HB 11 was approved in the Energy committee on a party-line vote and now moves forward to the House Judiciary Committee.
“This Governor cannot control her desire to increase executive power,” said House Republican Whip Rod Montoya, “The Governor’s move to strip the PRC of its responsibilities is unconstitutional. I am not convinced that this Governor will protect rate payers regarding utility rates given her desire to destroy the energy industry.”
