Where the 2018 Candidates Stand on Energy: Democratic Nominee for Georgia PSC District 5 – Dawn Randolph

Heather Pohnan | September 5, 2018 | Elections, Georgia

This post is the fourth in a series of blogs examining where the 2018 candidates for state and federal offices in the Southeast stand on key energy and climate issues. To read the candidate profile for Republican Nominee for Georgia Public Service Commission District 5, Tricia Pridemore, click here.

Note: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Links to reports, candidate websites and outside sources are provided as citizen education tools.

Candidate: Dawn Randolph

Dawn Randolph is the Democratic candidate for Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) representing District 5. She has worked as a consumer protection advocate and consultant to nonprofit organizations. Her accomplishments include working with legislators to secure funding for services for people with disabilities, mental health, and substance use programs.

Renewables

On her campaign website, Dawn Randolph states that “Georgia should take the lead in renewable energy capacity”and that the PSC “must ensure the rebates and incentives for solar are well known to all consumers. Solar installation costs have fallen significantly in the past decade and the industry is approaching a $1 billion economic impact in Georgia.” She has also promised to “stay on top of emerging technologies, encourage investments and reduce regulatory barriers.” When questioned about the energy mix in Georgia during a Democratic primary debate, Randolph also stated that Georgia could do a lot more with biomass.

Energy Efficiency

Randolph has highlighted efficiency as a resource: “Energy efficiency is one thing that they do a lot, it’s the cheapest form of energy. That can be done to a lot of buildings.” Her website also states: “Energy Conservation and Efficiency – the PSC must promote sustainable growth with clean fuels and renewable resources.”

Fossil Fuels

We could not find information regarding the candidate’s views on fossil fuels in general or coal specifically.

Climate Change

Dawn Randolph has stated that “we have fallen behind on efforts to decrease carbon emissions.” She also highlighted her own work on climate change bills and farm bills at the federal level during a debate.

Nuclear

Dawn Randolph does not support the continued construction of the Vogtle nuclear expansion project. When asked about the project during a debate she said, “I know I’m voting no. I’m saying, no, we’ve got to stop this right now. We cannot continue to move forward with a blank check to Georgia Power to have an overpriced nuclear plant that’s not even working right now. So I know that I’m going to say no. We’ve got to relook at this whole thing. We’ve got to look at how the Vogtle construction management is really going and question every single thing they do.” She has also been quoted as saying “I am tired of being a blank check for an over-priced, undelivered product, which is called Plant Vogtle.”

Clean Transportation

Randolph acknowledge the role of the PSC in planning for clean transportation, stating that “We have a great opportunity to advance the infrastructure for fast and reliable internet access, electrical vehicle drivers, and cutting-edge business enterprises.”

We encourage you to register and then vote this November. Click here for voting resources provided by the Georgia Secretary of State. If you are inspired by this blog and have questions for the candidate, please contact her campaign here.

Heather Pohnan
In her role of Energy Policy Manager, Heather supports SACE’s regulatory strategy through policy research, and data and geospatial analysis. Her work will focus on projects that support the inclusion…
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