Staff Report
MONTGOMERY—Manufacture Alabama has announced its endorsement of incumbent Jeremy Oden (R-Vinemont) for the Public Service Commission (PSC) Place 1 seat, up for election in 2014.
Oden said he is humbled by the endorsement and added, “I understand that having a solid manufacturing base in Alabama is critical to our state’s economy and putting people to work.”
“Manufacture Alabama has played an important role in making sure that Alabama stays productive, and I will always share its members’ vision of making Alabama the best location in the U.S. for manufacturers,” he said. “If elected, I will spend the next four years fighting the many burdens pushed down from the federal government and the EPA regulations on energy that make it difficult for manufacturers to operate a successful business.”
Manufacture Alabama’s President, George Clark, cited Oden’s experience and reputation for the association’s endorsement, stating: “In Jeremy Oden’s time with the Public Service Commission, he has proven his dedication to all ratepayers by standing up to environmental extremists and the federal government’s mounting EPA regulations. He has saved ratepayers millions in energy prices while also aiding our state’s economic growth.”
As the leader of a trade association that represents hundreds of companies from a wide range of industries across the state, Clark said: “When the price of energy rises, not only are residential and industrial ratepayers affected but also our state’s business climate. Competitive and reliable energy drives business.”
Appointed PSC, Place 1 Commissioner by Gov. Robert Bentley in December 2012, Oden has contributed to three public rate reviews within his tenure, and he serves as a state representative in the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). Oden is involved in the Alabama Damage Prevention Alliance and Alabama 811, the Call Before You Dig program. Prior to his PSC appointment, Oden served as the District 11 State Representative for 11 years.
