Legislation Provides Record Review Process for CPUC Decisions
Sacramento, CA – Assemblyman Anthony Rendon’s (D-Lakewood) legislation that establishes a court review process for California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decisions today cleared the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
“Recent controversies within the CPUC prove the need for enduring oversight,” Rendon said. “Allowing for record review of CPUC decisions holds the commission accountable for its actions while providing consumers an opportunity to pursue justice.”
Assembly Bill (AB) 825 fundamentally alters the way courts review CPUC decisions by providing challengers the ability to seek a record review by the Superior Court. No such appeal mechanism currently exists.
In a recent case in Southern California, the CPUC halted its investigation of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in favor of a settlement agreement to shut the facility down. Many groups protested the settlement, which handed considerable costs related to the shutdown to consumers. Without a formal process to appeal the decision, the public had little recourse to file a grievance.
AB 825 also creates the positions of Inspector General, which would have independent authority to investigate the CPUC, and Public Advisor, which would be responsible for enacting transparency measures within the CPUC.
Assemblyman Anthony Rendon is chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce. Rendon is serving in his second term representing the 63rd Assembly District, which includes the cities and communities of Bell, Cudahy, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, North Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, and South Gate. Rendon serves on the following committees: Water, Parks and Wildlife; Natural Resources; Public Employees, Retirement and Social Security; and Appropriations.