Brown Chooses Two New Utilities Commissioners

California Governor Jerry Brown has two new selections to serve on the state public utilities commission. The governor is replacing picks he made in 2011.

When Brown first took office, he appointed two outsiders, law professor Catherine Sandoval and Mike Florio, the long-time lead attorney for consumer advocate group TURN.

Since then, commissioners have faced scrutiny from lawmakers and federal investigators for mishandling high-profile cases, including the San Bruno pipeline explosion and the San Onofre nuclear plant closure, and for coziness with the utilities they oversee. Brown has agreed to new transparency and oversight rules, as well as paring down the commission’s responsibilities.

He’s also looked to his own staff. Since those first two picks, all of Brown’s nominees have come from his office or state agencies or boards.

Now, Brown will replace his first two outside choices with more insiders. Praising their judgment, he’s selected deputy legislative assistant Martha Guzman Aceves and senior advisor Clifford Rechtschaffen.

They’ll require Senate confirmation before taking office next year.