Chair Of RCA

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) consists of five full-time Commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature for six year terms. Currently, the Commission annually elects a chairperson for a one year term. House Bill 156 alters this arrangement to allow the Governor to appoint one member of the Commission as chairperson for a three year term.

With House Bill 156, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska will join numerous other Alaska boards with a Governor-designated chairperson. This legislation also provides a continuity of leadership currently not experienced at the RCA. Dockets opened by the Commission can sometimes span years, and the leadership stability that HB 156 provides will be a valuable asset in resolving such issues.

The RCA is essentially a consumer protection agency; as such, Alaskans should be assured that leadership of the Commission is both qualified to shoulder the administrative duties of the chair and stable enough to provide continuity over the long term. House Bill 156 is proposed with this in mind.