Committee defers resolution to create state energy‑pathways task force amid procedure, PUC concerns

The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection on April 23 reconvened to reconsider House Concurrent Resolution 202 (house draft 2), which would establish a legislative task force to examine the state's future energy pathways and strategies to maximize cost savings while minimizing risk to ratepayers over the next three decades.

The Chair said the reconsideration followed separate amendments made after the committee's earlier decision and new community testimony raising questions about whether Public Utilities Commission participation in such a convening could be construed as an ex parte contact on matters the PUC might later take up on a docket. The Chair told members she was not permitted, given the legislative deadline and previous committee cycles, to amend the resolution to require the task force chairs to open membership to the public.

"I am not permitted to amend this resolution to require the chairs of this task force to make membership open to everyone in the public," the Chair said. Because the membership requirement could not be changed in the current procedural cycle, and because a similar House resolution was pending, the Chair recommended deferring action on HCR 202; the committee agreed and adjourned pending the House measure.