press releases
For Immediate Release: January 13, 2015
Contact: Robert J. Thormeyer, 202-898-9382, rthormeyer@naruc.org
WASHINGTON—National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners President Lisa Edgar of Florida appointed Commissioner Alaina C. Burtenshaw of Nevada as Chair of the Association’s Committee on Water.
Chair Burtenshaw, who was co-vice chair of the committee, replaces Commissioner Robert Powelson of Pennsylvania, who stepped down from the position after becoming elected Second Vice President of NARUC late last year. President Edgar also appointed Commissioner Art Graham of Florida as a co-vice chair, joining Commissioner Mary-Anna Holden of New Jersey.
The Committee on Water seeks to increase awareness and understanding about the issues surrounding uses and reuses of water and wastewater. Committee members discuss regional differences and share best practices with the aim of improving water regulation. 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.
“The Water Committee plays a critical role in ensuring our ratepayers receive safe and affordable water service,” said President Edgar. “As a Nevadan, Chair Burtenshaw is acutely familiar with the challenges facing the water sector. Chair Burtenshaw has great support as well, with Commissioner Holden remaining as co-vice chair and Commissioner Graham joining their ranks. Each of these commissioners brings an important consumer perspective and I look forward to working with them.”
Chair Burtenshaw has chaired the Nevada Public Utilities Commission since Feb. 2 2011; she was first appointed to the agency in January 2010. Within NARUC she has served on the Committee on Water. She served as a staff member at the Nevada PUC from 1992 until she was appointed as a commissioner. Before joining the agency, Chair Burtenshaw worked in private practice in Las Vegas from 1987 to 1992, where she focused on administrative law.
“I am honored by President Edgar’s appointment and confidence,” said Chair Burtenshaw. “The Committee on Water’s mission is to promote the safe, reliable, and efficient use of water. Our charge runs the gamut from infrastructure modernization to the use and reuse of water resources. We have a tremendous leadership team in place with my Co-Vice Chairs Holden and Graham, and I am grateful for this opportunity.”
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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.
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