Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Keep your eye on state public service commission races next week.
Why it matters: Ten states elect their utility regulators, who play a huge role in determining power mix, reliability policies and energy prices.
- They're frequently in federal lawmakers' ears during Hill debates on transmission and permitting.
Zoom in: There are three Democrats and three Republicans vying for three seats up for grabs on the Arizona Corporation Commission, which is currently controlled by the GOP in a 4-to-1 split.
- The commission has sparked controversy by approving new gas infrastructure without public comment and halting the state's bipartisan march towards renewables.
- In Montana, where three seats on an all-Republican commission are in play, independent candidate Elena Evans has pulled in relatively big money in a race against Republican Jennifer Fielder, who has drawn the ire of green groups.
- And in Louisiana, Republican Craig Greene, considered the swing vote on the split Public Service Commission, is retiring, which has set off a frantic battle to replace him.
What we're watching: If Donald Trump wins the election, much of the climate policy fight will return to state legislatures and to these utility regulators.
- States like Michigan and Minnesota have passed emissions reduction laws in recent years, and green groups see an opportunity for another in Arizona, where Republicans narrowly control the legislature.
- The League of Conservation Voters' affiliate in Arizona has also been doing education work on the Corporation Commission race.
- "A big push is to do education to say, in essence, vote down the ballot and make sure you're voting in the ACC race," Pete Maysmith, senior vice president of campaigns for LCV Victory Fund, told Axios.
