Public Service Commission shouldn’t duplicate Legislature
The Post-Dispatch editorial “Who’s afraid of facts?” (March 28) missed the bigger point and smeared a good public servant in the process.
Last week, the Public Service Commission opted out of holding a hearing, which they did not have the statutory authority to hold, but kept a docket open to receive comments from interested stakeholders and issue a requested response to a legislator. The editorial board implied this action was inappropriate when in fact it was exactly what the PSC should have done.
Throughout the legislative session, the PSC provides ample and prompt analyses at the request of legislators. They do not legislate. Legislators accountable to the people that elect them, not a government agency, represent and weigh the interests of their constituents.
The Legislature vetted SB207/HB398 like any other bill, in an open and transparent process. Two committees conducted 18 hours of public hearings, spending countless hours doing their own research and analyses.
The legislative process continues and the PSC should remain ready to provide further analyses, but not be drawn into the legislative process.
We commend Sen. Tom Dempsey for his leadership and fairness on the issue. He has brought both sides together several times to seek compromise, a better understanding of the legislation, and require changes to address his and other senators’ concerns.
The ISRS legislation is important as it will lead to a more modern electric grid with higher reliability and good-paying jobs for many Missourians. Now let the Legislature do its job.
Irl Scissors • Olivette
Executive director, Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future
