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  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire announces new UTC chairman

For Immediate Release: February 3, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced her appointment of Jeffrey D. Goltz as chairman of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). The UTC protects consumers by ensuring that utility and transportation services are fairly priced, available, reliable and safe.

�I have no doubt that Jeff has the leadership and strong ethical background that is required to successfully manage this dynamic and complex agency,� said Gregoire. �Jeff brings an incredible passion for public service and constructive approach to any challenge. I look forward to working with him in this important role.�

Just this week, Washington�s Attorney General Rob McKenna presented Jeff with his 30-year plaque, recognizing a long and distinguished career serving the public under four attorneys general.

During his tenure at the Attorney General�s Office, Jeff has worked not only in the Ecology Division as an Assistant Attorney General and as Division Chief, but also in the Revenue Division and in the Utilities and Transportation Division, where he served as Division Chief for 11 years.

Jeff has been honored with the Outstanding Leader Award twice, and has been recognized as a Washington Law & Politics Super Lawyer many times.

�I am excited to take on this new endeavor,� Goltz said. �As the former Division Chief for the Attorney General�s Office Utilities and Transportation Division for 11 years, I am well-acquainted with the UTC�s long history of excellent service both to the state and to the public. In my new role, I look forward to carrying on that tradition and working with an extraordinary group of talented and dedicated commissioners and staff.�

This UTC appointment comes at a critical time for important energy, transportation and water issues. Utilities regulation must strike a balance between ensuring affordable rates and adequate supplies to customers and the reasonable investment-backed expectations of those who build and maintain utilities.

The commission regulates companies responsible for roughly 10 percent of the state�s economy in terms of total business revenue. Approximately 8,000 utilities and carriers, many with annual revenues totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars, must operate under the commission�s umbrella.