A resolution attacking the FCC’s rulemaking procedures (CD Jan 25...
A resolution attacking the FCC’s rulemaking procedures (CD Jan 25 p5) generated considerable debate among members of the NARUC telecom committee Tuesday. “I am not out to hobble the FCC,” said resolution sponsor Commissioner Jim Cawley of the Pennsylvania Public…
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Utility Commission. Cawley spoke at length about what he deemed the FCC’s procedural failures, the literature surrounding it and his problems with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. Cawley wants to “curb the secrecy that’s prevalent there,” which he alleged to be “to the benefit of the regulated entities,” he said. Commissioner Anne Boyle of the Nebraska Public Service Commission spoke of the “insulting” federal attitude toward the Federal-State Joint Boards on Separations and Universal Service. Commissioner Larry Landis of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission said the problem has been “getting worse” and said it’s about both the preemption of the states and the preemption of Congress. Commissioner Betsy Wergin of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission argued against what she deemed “judgmental” language that accused all FCC commissioners -- including “our former colleague” FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn -- of having predetermined positions. “These words were extremely carefully chosen -- and with considerable restraint,” Cawley said, saying he eliminated certain provisions to attempt to make the resolution “as least controversial as possible.” Wergin was the only vote opposed as the resolution passed to full consideration of the NARUC board. The NARUC board, with far less debate, also unanimously passed a proposed resolution urging coordination among different parties in instances of natural disasters (CD Feb 5 p7).