Vermont’s Public Utility Commission — the three-member panel that regulates state utilities, such as electric, natural gas and telecommunications companies — will soon have a new chair.
Gov. Phil Scott announced on Friday that he has appointed Ed McNamara, formerly a lawyer for the state Agency of Natural Resources, to the post. McNamara replaces Anthony Roisman, who has held the position since 2017.
The Public Utility Commission is often caught in the crosshairs of Vermont’s efforts to reduce climate emissions. Recently, lawmakers charged the commission with designing a blueprint for a clean heat standard, a program that would be used to reduce emissions that come from heating and cooling buildings in Vermont.
Renewable energy advocates have expressed frustration about the lack of transparency and unpredictability of the regulatory process used to approve new renewable projects.
McNamara worked on a range of legal issues at the natural resources agency, which includes the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and the Fish & Wildlife Department.
Before his time there, he worked on energy issues for two decades at the Department of Public Service, which represents the state before the Public Utility Commission. He served as a planning director, assisted with emergency response and represented Vermont’s interests before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, according to a press release issued by Scott’s office.
“Ed is an experienced public servant, with a deep understanding of energy issues and policy,” Scott said. “I appreciate his willingness to step up and continue his work on behalf of Vermonters in this new role.”
It won’t be the first time McNamara has worked at the commission. He started his legal career there, as a hearing officer and staff attorney.
Other commissioners include Margaret Cheney, formerly a journalist, educator and state representative, and Riley Allen, former deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Service.
“I very much appreciate Governor Scott’s trust in appointing me as chair of the PUC,” McNamara said. ”Throughout my professional career I have pursued positions that require tackling important and complex issues. I have greatly enjoyed my time at ANR and look forward to the challenges that the PUC will be addressing over the next several years.”
McNamara did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He will begin serving in the role on Jan. 29.
