Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) issued a statement Wednesday afternoon regarding proposed legislation that would transition the Alabama Public Service Commission from a regulatory agency whose members are elected by a statewide vote to one that is appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and subject to confirmation.

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Gudger’s statement in full:

After environmental extremists funded by the most liberal Soros groups captured the Public Service Commission in Georgia, the importance of preventing the same outcome from happening in Alabama became an urgency.

Legislation to reform the Public Service Commission was offered as a solution, but it appeared too quick, moved too fast, addressed the issue too narrowly, and did not provide the public with enough information about why it was even being proposed.

After listening to our constituents back home, there is no scenario in which this bill, HB392, can garner the votes necessary to pass. So, it is time to turn our attention to other matters this session and continue working to provide Alabamians with the efficient, effective, fiscally responsible, and conservative state government that they want and deserve.

This does not mean the Legislature will not address the very real issues facing Alabama on the energy front. As we consider how to move forward, I am guided by three convictions:

First, power bills are placing a real and growing hardship on working families, on our elderly, and on Alabama businesses.

Second, the right of the people to choose the public officials who govern their lives is sacred and must not be surrendered.

Third, there are well-funded interests from beyond our borders who will bring large checkbooks and deceptive arguments into our state – not to help Alabamians, but to gain influence and weaken our robust and reliable power grid.

Protecting our Public Service Commission from liberal environmentalists who will force our rates to skyrocket will require everyone working together – the Senate, the House, and the Governor – and allowing the Alabamians we all swore an oath to represent to help us find a battle plan they can support to improve energy affordability for Alabama citizens.

Together – my colleagues in the Alabama State Senate, my friends in the House of Representatives, Speaker Ledbetter, our Governor, and all the people of Alabama — we will build a plan that preserves our rights, protects our families, and secures a strong future.

Not a plan written in California, not a plan shaped in Beijing, but an Alabama plan built by Alabama’s people for Alabama’s people.