Jason M. Stanek has taken over the helm of Maryland’s Public Service Commission (PSC), following the departure of former PSC Chair Kevin Hughes on June 30.

The Natural Resources Defense Council provides a warm tribute to Hughes, who served as Governor Martin O’Malley’s deputy legislative officer:

Respectful describes Hughes’ working style perfectly, and explains how he was able to accomplish big things while on PSC. For example, in 2015 he led fellow Commissioners and staff as they developed and issued a historic order vaulting Maryland up in the rankings of state energy efficiency policy published annually by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Key components of this order were then enacted into law by the Maryland legislature and Governor Hogan in 2017, underscoring the importance of this achievement.

Stanek most recently served as Senior Counsel to the Energy Subcommittee of the US House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce Committee. Prior to that, he served 16 years in progressively senior positions in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Stanek holds a B.A. in International Relations from Tulane University and a J.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Law.

Governor Larry Hogan said of Stanek:

Jason Stanek’s impressive career working in positions related to energy and utility policy demonstrates his vast experience and understanding of these complex issues. He is knowledgeable in nearly every aspect of the utility industry, and I have no doubt that he will serve Maryland well in this new role.