SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 730

WHEREAS, Donna L. Nelson is retiring as chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas on May 15, 2017, after nearly nine years as a commissioner and an illustrious career of more than 28 years in public service; and

WHEREAS, Donna L. Nelson was appointed to the Public Utility Commission by Governor Rick Perry on August 15, 2008, named as chair by Governor Perry on July 26, 2011, and reappointed by Governor Greg Abbott on September 10, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Prior to her appointment as a commissioner, she served as a special assistant and advisor to Governor Perry on energy and telecommunication issues and assisted the Governor's Competitiveness Council with the preparation of the Texas 2008 State Energy Plan; and

WHEREAS, Her previous experience included serving as director of the Public Utility Commission's telecommunications section and as an assistant attorney general; and

WHEREAS, She has served on the Board of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, on the Southwest Power Pool Regional State Committee, and in leadership roles with the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners; and

WHEREAS, During her time on the Public Utility Commission of Texas, she oversaw the planning and establishment of the state's competitive renewable energy zones, a $7 billion project designed to promote the competitive development of renewable energy production in Texas; she fostered free-market principles that have resulted in reliable and affordable utilities for Texas consumers; and she shared her expertise and the insights gained from implementing the Texas electric market model with agencies as far away as India and Australia; and

WHEREAS, The State of Texas and Texas consumers owe her a debt of gratitude for the diligence, wisdom, and caring she has shown in executing her duties as commissioner and chair; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby congratulate Donna L. Nelson on her retirement as chair of the Public Utility Commission of Texas and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Schwertner

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 4, 2017.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate