Ricky Junquera, Ricky.Junquera@SierraClub.org, 617-599-7048
Neil Waggoner, Neil.Waggoner@SierraClub.org, 330-730-5109
Columbus, OH -- This morning, after days of speculation surrounding the FBI search of Chairman Sam Randazzo's Columbus home, and an SEC filing from FirstEnergy identifying a questionable $4 million payment to an unidentified Ohio utility regulator, Chairman Randazzo has resigned from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
In response, Neil Waggoner, Campaign Representative for Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign in Ohio, released the following statement:
“Sierra Club voiced concerns about Sam Randazzo when he was first appointed to the PUCO/OPSB. Since Randazzo’s appointment, his tenure as Chair of the PUCO and OPSB has included questionable orders (at least one recently reversed on rehearing), inappropriate concurring statements, ongoing accusations of bias, and politicization of the PUCO/OPSB.
“It is imperative Ohioans have faith in the objectivity, fairness, and accountability of the PUCO/OPSB. This week’s news about Sam Randazzo, coupled with concerns over decision making during his tenure, put all of that into question. It’s good Sam Randazzo stepped down but between the events of this week and the ongoing HB6 scandal, it’s more clear now than ever that Ohio needs to review and strengthen ethics rules and requirements for utility regulations and regulators."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.