PSC bill clarifies law, doesn’t strip power — supporters says
Sen. Perry Lee, R-Mendenhall, said legislation the Senate passed Wednesday does not strip away the power of the three-member Public Service Commission to regulate rural water associations, but “just clarifies” existing law.
The bill, which passed the Republican-led Senate 33-16 primarily along party lines, has been criticized by Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley and others for removing the authority of the panel to regulate the approximately 950 rural water associations across the state.
After the bill passed the Senate on Wednesday, Lee was asked if the legislation was introduced in response to the efforts by Presley involving the North Lee County Water Association.
“They (rural water associations) don’t think the commission has the authority to issue subpoenas,” Lee responded.
Daily Journal
2/7/13
Magnolia Tribune
