PR-09-156 -- PSC Opens Review On Ethics And Standards Of Conduct

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- MARCH 3, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY---The Missouri Public Service Commission has opened a working docket on ethics and standards of conduct.  A repository file has been opened so that interested parties may see and comment on documents contained in an ethics review at the PSC.

“The public expects that the Public Service Commission will operate openly and fairly,” said PSC Chairman Robert M. Clayton III.  “This working docket will allow for a transparent process for an open and active dialogue on ethics and standards of conduct.”

All interested parties and the public will be permitted to review materials pertaining to the ethics review.  Intervention requests will not be necessary to participate in this case.

The public is welcome to file comments through the Commission’s Electronic Filing and Information System (EFIS).  Please log onto http://psc.mo.gov/case-filing-information and choose “Submit Public Comments”.  Written comments should be sent to the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102.  Please reference the case number which is AW-2009-0313.   

The ethics rules, including ex parte rules, has been the subject of much discussion among commissioners, the PSC staff, the Office of the Public Counsel as well as other counsel and individuals who appear before the Commission.

During the 2008 Missouri legislative session, Senator Joan Bray obtained an appropriation to pay for an independent review of the Commission’s rules and practices, for recommendations for change and assistance in implementing those changes.

On February 4, 2009, the Commission awarded a contract to the law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP.  The lead attorney for the project will be Michael Downey.  The consultant is not a regular practitioner before the Commission and Mr. Downey has considerable ethics expertise.

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Case No. AW-2009-0313