Experience shows good reason for independence of regulatory agencies

✍ Scribed by Smith, William H.

• Book ID: 102221012
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2007
• Weight: 372 KB
• Volume: 16
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0743-5665
• DOI: 10.1002/gas.3410160708

✦ Synopsis

R like other government agencies. They were given multiple members instead of single, cabinet-level heads. Courts defer to their professional expertise. They usually have separate funding sources. They are called independent agencies for good reason. At least in theory, this independence allows regulatory agencies to develop and implement policy without ad hoc direction or approval from the executive or the legislative branch. Most basic to this is the concept of fixed terms, during which the executive cannot remove the incumbent.

Agency independence has a long and wellestablished place in U S . political tradition. Its value is being accepted by other nations. Nevertheless, this approach is often challenged. The usefulness of this unconventional form of agency needs to be continuously relearned.

Recent headlines (O.K., small headlines) show the challenges. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) in December issued a report on electric utilities' response to blackouts. According to the Washington Post, the report was "ordered by Governor Parris Glendening. The concerns of the governor and the PSC seem appropriate, but a "request" would better respect the PSC's independence than an "order" to conduct an investigation.