Groups to Call on Governor to Open Up Appointment Process for PSC Commissioners

Senior, Environmental, Consumer, Media Access & Community Groups Alongside Assemblyman Michael Gianaris to Urge Governor to Appoint Psc Commissioners Committed to Protecting Consumers & the Environment

NEW YORK, NY (01/28/2009)(readMedia)-- A coalition of senior, environmental, consumer protection, media access and community groups to be joined by Assemblyman Michael Gianaris will hold a news conference on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 11 a.m. to call upon Governor Paterson to open up the process of appointing Commissioners to the Public Service Commission and appoint Commissioners that are committed to preserving the environment, protecting consumers, promoting media access, and advancing conservation and clean renewable energy in the state.

The groups will recount the history of the PSC over the past decade and outline the importance of the Public Service Commission in the lives of New Yorkers across the state.

WHO:

Organizations signing the letter to Gov. Paterson include the American Lung Association in NY, Center for Independence of the Disabled, Citizen Action of NY, Common Cause/NY, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, Harlem Consumer Education Council, Hunger Action Network of NYS, Interfaith Council for Action, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Neighborhood Preservation Coalition of NYS, NYS Community Action Association, NYPIRG, NY Statewide Senior Action Council, NY Media Alliance, NYS Community Action Association, People's Production House, Public Utility Law Project, and Rural Law Center.
WHAT:

New Yorkers for Fair and Affordable Utility Service, a coalition of over 40 groups, will release a letter to Governor Paterson urging him to commit to an open appointment process for filling PSC vacancies and recommends he adopt "Proposed Qualifications" for potential nominees. The coalition includes consumer, environmental, good government, labor, legal services, media, senior, and tenant organizations. Queens Assemblyman Michael Gianaris will join the coalition at the news conference.
WHEN: Thursday January 29, 2009 at 04:00PM
WHERE: LCA Room (Room 130)
Legislative Office Building
Albany, New York 12202
NOTES:

VISUALS will include Posterboard illustrating disparity between NYS utility rates and lower rates in other states; and Posterboard of "Put the PUBLIC back in the Public Service Commission"