ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The Maryland Senate has confirmed Gov. Larry Hogan’s appointee to the Public Service Commission.
The Senate voted 31-15 Thursday to confirm Michael Richard.
Richard is a former deputy chief of staff to the Republican governor. His nomination came under scrutiny by a panel of senators last month, when they questioned his independence as a member of an agency that regulates utilities. Senators focused on emails obtained by an advocacy group that Richard sent to Hogan administration officials about issues before the PSC.
Richard says he sent the emails because he was still transitioning from his job in the administration as a liaison to the PSC to being a commissioner. He assured senators the transition is complete
The five-member commission regulates gas, electric, telephone, water and sewage disposal companies.
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