Press Release

Governor Rendell Nominates John Hanger for DEP Secretary; Appoints James Cawley PUC Chairman - Cawley to Seek Commission Support for Tyrone Christy as Vice Chair (continued)

Published on 8/19/2008

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

JAMES CAWLEY

Governor Rendell also praised the skills, experience and vision of Jim Cawley as he commented on his appointment as PUC chairman.

“Jim is an expert in utility regulation and utility law and he shares my commitment to promoting and expanding our use of alternative energy and conservation measures to reduce demand,” said the Governor. “It may be the most challenging time in our recent history to chair the PUC, but I am convinced that, with his experience, Jim is capable of stepping forward and leading the commission.”

Cawley is a 1967 graduate of St. Bonaventure University and a 1970 graduate of Notre Dame Law School. He began his legal career as one of the seven original law clerks serving the Commonwealth Court judges.

He went on to serve as majority counsel to the state Senate Consumer Affairs Committee, where he drafted several major amendments to Pennsylvania’s public utility laws. In 1977, he was appointed chief counsel to the Senate majority floor leader.

Cawley has twice been nominated and confirmed as a member of the PUC, serving from 1979 until 1985. On April 25, 2005, Governor Rendell nominated him to return to the commission—a position to which he was confirmed on June 9, 2005. He resides in Cumberland County.

“I am honored to have the Governor’s confidence in my ability to serve in this position, especially at a time when energy prices are rising and people need to know what can be done to manage higher utility bills,” said Cawley. “I look forward to working with the administration to protect consumers, especially through expanded energy conservation and efficiency programs and programs that aid low-income families.”

The Governor said Cawley intends to ask the commission to support Commissioner Tyrone J. Christy as vice-chair of the PUC. Governor Rendell nominated Christy in June 2007 and he won confirmation from the Senate later that month.

Governor Rendell said Hanger’s experience and commitment to environmental issues and Cawley’s leadership at the PUC will better position Pennsylvania to emerge as a leader in renewable energy development and energy conservation.

“John has known Jim for a long time and I expect that their relationship will help us find a way to help consumers reduce their electricity demand and save money, while also expanding the amount of alternative energy generated and purchased in this state,” said Governor Rendell. “I continue to believe that Pennsylvania can, and must, be the national leader when it comes to energy.  Whether it’s research, generation or making the components that make alternative energy and fuels or conservation possible, we must lead the pack.

“The sticker shock that we feel from high gas and utility prices today will be nothing compared to what will occur over the next decade if our nation doesn’t develop and take advantage of more alternative and renewable options,” the Governor said.

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The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses.  To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

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