CEC’s Boyd Accused of Conflict of Interest

California Energy Commissioner James Boyd, who is married to a chief lobbyist for the oil industry, was charged with conflict of interest violations by some consumer advocates. The charge arose from his involvement in a report on the weight of what is known as hot gasoline. The Consumer Watchdog and Public Citizen allege that allowing the sale of hot fuel causes consumers to pay more for less. “The unfairness is doubled when the oil industry has an inside pipeline to a government body that should protect the consumer,” stated Judy Dugan, Consumer Watchdog research director. Energy Commission spokesperson Susanne Garfield rejected the allegations. She said decisions Boyd has been involved in--be it on hot gas or natural gas issues--would not directly impact the non-profit Western States Petroleum Association, for which Catherine Reheis-Boyd works. A legal violation occurs only when a decision by a commissioner, or other governmental official, results in a “material financial impact” to the decision maker, she said. However, another issue is perceived conflict of interest and the question of ethics. “The marital relation tips the scales, giving the oil industry access in a way consumers don’t have,” said Derrik Cressman, western regional director for Common Cause. He added that the press should routinely question Boyd “about whether he made a decision based on sound public policy or the advice of his wife.”

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CEC’s Boyd Accused of Conflict of Interest

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