Regulating Energy: Barry Smitherman MC/MPA 1986

9:53 pm by BarryForTexas

Originally published May 16, 2013 Harvard Kennedy School  “Regulation needs to be predictable and transparent,” says Barry Smitherman MC/MPA 1986. “Rules that come out of left field usually meet with great opposition, so it’s important to include all stakeholders.” Smitherman speaks from experience. He currently chairs the Railroad Commission of Texas, the state agency that, its name notwithstanding, oversees the state’s oil, natural gas, coal, pipeline, and gas distribution utilities. Before joining the Railroad Commission, he served on the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which regulates electricity, transmission, and telecommunications. With his experience in the largest energy-producing state, Barry has entered the ranks as a leading US energy policymaker. “The Kennedy School was good at helping us learn how to bring all stakeholders together to solve a problem,” he says. “Our bold initiatives need broad buy-in; any time you try to run READ MORE »