Crist reappoints Lisa Edgar to PSC

Gov. Charlie Crist reappointed Lisa Polak Edgar to the Public Service Commission, passing over former state Rep. Luis Rojas and relative unknown William Dawson, who works for the Orlando Utility Commission.

The commission's work isn't sexy, and is often excruciatingly dull, but it has an enormous impact on the lives of most Floridians. The commission sets electric, gas and phone rates, and approves (or not) power plants. Over the next several years, the commission will oversee the billing of billions of dollars in new nuclear construction. The commission will also play a lead role in determining how the state will meet Crist's goals to slash greenhouse gas emissions while supplying electricity to the state's growing population.

“Lisa has served our state well, and I am pleased she will continue to advocate on behalf of the people,” Crist said.

"Lisa Edgar hits the ground running," said Susan Glickman, southern regional director for the Climate Group and former environmental lobbyist. "Given the huge challenge of transforming how we create and use energy, her experience will be invaluable."

Name: Lisa Polak Edgar, 45, Tallahassee
Experience: Edgar has served on the Public Service Commission since 2005, and chairwoman in 2006 and 2007. She served as deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection from 1999 to 2004. She also served as the state’s representative to the U.S. Department of Interior’s policy committee on offshore drilling. She served as a policy analyst on the governor’s office from 1993 to 1999.
Education: B.S., Florida State University, 1985; J.D., Florida State University College of Law, 1988; Harvard University john F. Kennedy School of Government, certificate, 2000
Assets: Joint assets including bank accounts, property, retirement accounts.
Liabilities: credit card debt, car payments, and mortgages
Source of Income: PSC salary of $132,000
Personal: Married to Michael Edgar, they have two children

-Asjylyn Loder, Times staff writer