Contact: Scott Bolden, 202-898-8083, sbolden@naruc.org

Idaho Commissioner Anderson to Head NARUC’s Committee on Water

WASHINGTON (November 4, 2019) — National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners President and Iowa Utilities Board Member Nick Wagner has appointed Commissioner Eric Anderson of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission as chair of the Association’s Committee on Water.

The Committee on Water aims to increase awareness and understanding about the issues surrounding uses and reuses of water and wastewater. Through policy resolutions, panel discussions and participation in high-level events, the committee works closely with several agency and stakeholder groups, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Association of Water Companies and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators.

Anderson was appointed to his current six-year term on the Idaho PUC in January 2019 by Gov. Brad Little, having been initially appointed in December 2015 by former Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter. Prior to his nomination, he served five terms in the Idaho Legislature and was chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in his final term in the state legislature. As a member of the Idaho House of Representatives, Anderson served on a number of committees, including Environment, Energy and Technology; Commerce and Human Resources; Resources and Conservation; Business; and State Affairs. He also chaired a legislative Interim Subcommittee on Renewable Energy.

Additionally, he serves on the NARUC Committee on International Relations.

Anderson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and government from Eastern Washington University in 1979.

“I am honored by President Wagner’s appointment and his confidence in me,” said Anderson. “We have an excellent leadership team in place with co-vice chairs Daniel Hall and Comer Randall, and I am grateful for this opportunity.”

"I am excited for Commissioner Anderson to lead the Committee on Water,” said Wagner. “He is acutely aware of the challenges facing the water sector and will be instrumental in the education of our members to ensure customers receive safe and affordable water service. His experience with the committee will ensure a seamless transition, as I would like to give our sincere thanks to Commissioner Holden for her excellent leadership of the committee in the previous three years.”

NARUC’s eight standing committees propose resolutions that, if approved by the Board of Directors, set Association policy on congressional, federal and industry matters. The committees, populated by state public service commissioners, also hold educational sessions and panel discussions on relevant issues to best serve NARUC members. Committee chairs are appointed by the NARUC President for a one-year term and may be reappointed for a maximum of three consecutive terms.

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About NARUC

NARUC is a non-profit organization founded in 1889 whose members include the governmental agencies that are engaged in the regulation of utilities and carriers in the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. NARUC's member agencies regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities. NARUC represents the interests of State public utility commissions before the three branches of the Federal government.