SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) Nominating Committee has approved a list of candidates for the position of PRC Commissioner to recommend to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who will nominate three to fill upcoming vacancies on the Commission.

After conducting interviews with 15 applicants in November, the Nominating Committee recommended the following nine individuals:

• Gabriel Aguilera;
• James F. Ellison;
• Carolyn Glick;
• Joseph D. Little;
• Brian K. Moore;
• P. Cholla Khoury;
• Patrick O’Connell;
• Arthur J. O’Donnell; and
• Amy L. Stein.

A voter-approved amendment to the state’s Constitution two years ago will change the formation of the Commission from a five-member elected body to a three-member panel appointed by the Governor beginning Jan. 1, 2023.

The three members of the new Commission will initially serve a term of either two, four or six years, respectively, with commissioners ultimately serving staggered six-year terms. The Governor’s nominees to the Commission are subject to approval by the state Senate.

The bipartisan Nominating Committee evaluates applicants for openings on the Commission. The Committee’s recommendations to Gov. Lujan Grisham must include applicants from at least three different counties in New Mexico, and the new Commission may not include more than two members from the same political affiliation.

The Nominating Committee initially received 62 applications for the three openings on the Commission. Applicant materials of recommended candidates can be found online.

A recording of the Nominating Committee meeting can be found online.

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) regulates the utilities, telecommunications, and motor carrier industries to ensure fair and reasonable rates, and to assure reasonable and adequate services to the public as provided by law. The NMPRC also promotes public safety through the offices of Pipeline Safety Bureau and Transportation Division.