Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has appointed yet another left-wing Democrat to the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC). The PUC “balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.” The PUC also greatly affects the state’s shale drilling industry (see Major Milestone: PA PUC Rules Mariner East IS a Public Utility and PA PUC Says Impact Fee Payment Calculations Still “Off”). In May 2015 Wolf appointed a new head of the PUC, Gladys Brown, a true believer in man-made global warming and someone who advocates for so-called energy efficiency (i.e. lock down your thermostat) and reducing carbon emissions (i.e. tax industry into oblivion). Big Green groups were delighted with her appointment (see Anti-Drillers Cheer PA Gov Wolf’s New Appointment to Head PUC). Wolf has just appointed who was his energy advisor, David Sweet, to fill a vacancy on the PUC when the terrific Commissioner, Pam Witmer, left at the end of her term (see UGI Hires PA PUC Commissioner in Brilliant Move for PennEast Pipe). We wrote about Sweet last year (see Wolf Appoints Energy “Advisor”; Says Natgas Should Stay in PA). Sweet’s greatest claim to fame: He was the campaign manager for Ed “fast Eddie” Rendell from 2001-2003, helping fast Eddie win the PA governorship. That about says it all. The sometimes confoundingly docile Republican-controlled State Senate confirmed Sweet’s appointment 49-0…
