In this blog, we examine the policies and positions of Robert Bryant, the Democratic candidate for District 1 on Georgia's Public Service Commission. Also in this series we profile Jason Shaw, the Republican candidate running for District 1 on Georgia's Public Service Commission.
Guest Blog | July 28, 2020 | Elections, Energy Policy, Georgia
This post is part of a series of blogs examining where 2020 Southeastern candidates for state and federal offices stand on key energy and climate issues. 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.
READ THE ‘WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND’ BLOG SERIES
In this blog, we examine the policies and positions of Robert Bryant, the Democratic candidate for District 1 on Georgia’s Public Service Commission. Also in this series we profile Jason Shaw, the Republican candidate running for District 1 on Georgia’s Public Service Commission. Also appearing on the ballot for this race will be Elizabeth Melton (Libertarian candidate).
While the exact roles and responsibilities of a Public Service Commissioner (or Public Utility Commissioner) vary from state to state, their general role is the regulation and oversight of essential utility services such as energy, telecommunications, and water. Some states, such as Georgia, elect the members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) while other states appoint their members through the Governor or the General Assembly.
Robert Bryant earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Georgia Southern University and a Ph.D. in adult education from the University of Georgia. He served as the coordinator for multicultural student affairs at the University of North Georgia, assistant director for the center for multicultural affairs at the Florida State University, and dean of students at Bridgewater College.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Bryant’s website states his goal to “create and produce at least one renewable energy source program in a Georgia municipality annually.” It also states his goal to replace fossil fuels used for auto and home with renewable alternatives. Bryant has further expressed his support of renewable energy on his campaign website, stating his intention to “support 100% Clean Campaigns in cities and counties through Georgia.”
Climate Change
Bryant’s website cites one of his main goals to “remain an environmentally responsible sustainable planet.”
Electric Transportation
Bryant’s website states his goal to replace fossil fuels used for auto with alternatives such as solar, water tidal, wind, and steam technologies.
Energy Equity & Energy Burden
Bryant has spoken out about his goal to improve energy equity. He stated, “My most immediate and primary concern is the rising cost of light bills, which has a tremendous impact on minority communities. We need to challenge the status quo and invest in green alternatives, providing affordable energy to ALL Georgians.”
High-Risk Energy (Coal, Nuclear, Oil, Gas)
Bryant intends to protect Georgia’s water resources from pollution such as coal ash.
If you are interested in learning more about where your state’s candidates for federal and state office stand on energy, click here to access the entire 2020 blog series. We encourage readers to register to vote well before registration deadlines, which are in early October but vary by state, and vote in the general election on or before November 3, 2020. For voting information in Georgia, including updates about the impact of COVID-19 on voting, click here. Stay tuned for more posts in this series to come!
READ THE ‘WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND’ BLOG SERIES
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This blog was researched and co-written by Suzanne Hollis, a rising junior at the University of North Carolina studying environmental science quantitative energy systems and physics and Jennifer Rennicks, former Senior Director of Policy & Communications at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.