Senate confirms Nancy Skinner to California Energy Commission after heated floor debate over affordability and regulation

The California Senate confirmed Nancy Skinner to the California Energy Commission on May 23, 2025, by a roll-call vote of 29–10.

Senator Henry Laird, who presented the nomination, urged the Senate to confirm Skinner, describing her as ‘‘qualified’’ and noting her record on energy, housing and consumer protections. ‘‘She was approved by the Rules Committee on May 14,’’ Laird said during his floor remarks before calling for the vote.

Opponents criticized Skinner’s legislative record and warned her appointment would expand an unelected agency’s power at the expense of affordability. Senator Jim Jones said he opposed the nomination because many bills Skinner authored had, in his view, raised costs for consumers and contributed to energy affordability problems. "This is the wrong person at the wrong time in the wrong position," Jones said. Several other senators—among them Senator Grove, Senator Alvarado Gill and Senator Choi—raised similar concerns about past legislation they said increased regulatory costs or gave the Energy Commission new authority.

Supporters framed Skinner’s record differently. Senator Arguin (as recorded on the floor) said Skinner had long led the state on climate action and energy storage and was ‘‘eminently qualified’’ to serve; Senator Weiner said Skinner had been instrumental in investments in energy storage that helped avoid rolling blackouts. Senator Wahab, who served with Skinner, noted her focus on assistance programs and affordability protections for low‑income residents.

The debate on the floor covered a range of policy examples cited by both sides: critics pointed to legislation they said expanded the commission’s powers and could raise consumer costs (floor comments referenced Senate Bill 59 and SB 49 as examples), while supporters cited Skinner’s work on energy storage, building standards and consumer protections. Several senators also argued about the broader practice of appointing former legislators to statewide boards.

Following the debate the Senate proceeded to a roll call. The clerk reported the vote: 29 ayes, 10 noes; the appointment was confirmed.

The confirmation means the Energy Commission will have a new commissioner with extensive legislative experience during a period when members of both parties on the floor raised questions about the commission’s role in state energy policy and the need for legislative oversight.

What happened next: Senator Laird and others said they will continue to press for accountability measures. Earlier on the floor, Senator Laird had introduced a separate bill (SB 491) that would require the Energy Commission chair to report annually to the Legislature; that bill was presented later in the session and received bipartisan support on the floor.

The confirmation concludes the Senate’s advice-and-consent role for this nomination. No implementation actions were taken on the Energy Commission itself during this floor session.

Sources: Floor debate and roll-call announcements during the California State Senate session, May 23, 2025.