Indicted ex-regulator stirred controversy

Unpopular positions were hallmarks of Pierce’s tenure

Former utility regulator Gary Pierce, now facing federal charges of bribery, took unpopular positions during his eight years on the Arizona Corporation Commission. He wasn’t afraid to throw the ordinarily quiet agency into controversy, either.

As a regulator who oversaw decisions involving solar, wind, coal, nuclear and other energy sources, Pierce rejected mainstream science and the idea that fossil fuels are a threat to the global climate.

He didn’t support the state’s renewable-energy rules, under which utilities must get 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2025. Pragmatically, he chipped away at the rule around its edges. More online: When someone donates to a political candidate and later is indicted, what should happen to their donation? Read our story on the issue at azcentral.com.

Since Pierce was indicted May 23 on charges of bribery, fraud and conspiracy arising from a vote to raise water rates for customers of Johnson Utilities in Pinal County, his commission decisions are being viewed in a new light.

Members of his own Republican Party are concerned about the damage he may have done to the reputation of the quasi-judicial agency.

“Anytime anything comes along that threatens the reputation of the commission, it is concerning,” said former Commissioner Jeff Hatch-Miller, a Republican. “If true, I’m very concerned about it.”