The Senate unanimously confirmed the appointments of California Public Utilities Commission members Mike Florio and Catherine Sandoval. Three days later, on a 31-0 vote, California Energy Commission appointee Carla Peterman also was confirmed to her post. Following the Jan. 23 approvals, the two CPUC members reiterated their commitment to the public interest. “I pledge to be diligent in discharging our fundamental responsibility to ensure that utilities under our jurisdiction provide safe, reliable service at just and reasonable rates,” Sandoval stated. “I hope that our work will help the people of our golden state prosper.” Both Sandoval and Florio were appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown in January 2011. Last week, the Senate Rules Committee on 5-0 votes recommended the full Senate confirm them to six-year terms (Current, Jan. 20, 2012). Following Peterman’s approval, Energy Commission chair Bob Weisenmiller stated that the agency looks forward to continuing to working with her to “balance the needs of energy and the environment, save Californians money through improved energy efficiency for homes and appliances, and make progress toward the State’s renewable energy goals.” A week earlier, the Senate Rules Committee unanimously backed approving Peterman to a five-year term on the Energy Commission. She also was named to her post by Brown last January.
