Press Mention Montgomery Advertiser October 16, 2004
SACE Quoted
Close loopholes in campaign law
In this mention
An editorial criticizing loopholes in Alabama's campaign finance laws that allow utilities to funnel contributions to PSC candidates through PACs. Steve Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, is quoted comparing Alabama's regulatory capture unfavorably to Georgia and Florida, stating that Alabama's PSC is "under the thumb of Alabama Power" and fails to ask tough questions about the utility's $2 billion environmental cost recovery proposal.
In Georgia and Florida, there was at least some semblance of independence from the utility. Not in Alabama. All the commission would do is regurgitate Alabama Power's arguments. They are so under the thumb of Alabama Power, they don't ask the tough questions. It was crystal clear to us that Alabama Power had undue influence over the commission.
Stephen A. Smith
Original clipping
PDF didn't open? Open it in a new tab →