Now, there were some other issues at play; Republicans took the governor’s office and a U.S. Senate seat as well as Bubba’s seat on the Public Service Commission. Now there were some other issues at play, Republicans took the Governor’s office and a U.S. Senate seat as well as Bubba’s seat on the Public Service Commission. McDonald was appointed to the state panel that oversees utility rates by former Gov. Public Service Commissioner He has consistently voted in favor of continuing construction of Plant Vogtle’s Units Three and Four. On November 3, 2020 neither candidate in this race secured the 50% of the vote necessary for victory under state law, and therefore this election is moving to a runoff on January 5, 2021. Sign up to receive clean energy updates in your inbox. During his previous term, he served on the Committee on Electricity of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, chairing that body's subcommittee on Nuclear Issues and Waste Disposal in 2001 and 2002. During the same forum when asked about he would empower and enlighten younger voters about the impact of climate change, Commissioner McDonald pointed to utility resource plans as an educational tool and added that, “We have to look at the science and we have to modify our position in generation so that it will match a plan for the state of Georgia. Clipping is a handy way to collect important slides you want to go back to later. ATLANTA (AP) — Incumbent Republican Lauren “Bubba” McDonald has won a fourth term on the Georgia Public Service Commission, turning back a … Zell Miller in 1998. As COVID-19 and the climate crisis intensify energy inequity, we need efficiency…, On Wednesday, January 20th, the Knoxville Mayor’s Climate Council convened for a recap meeting to discuss the work they had done since the body first began meeting in May of 2020. Lauren “Bubba” McDonald is the incumbent Republican commissioner on the Public Service Commission. Energy & Environment. Election Day for all runoff elections is January 5, 2021. He first left in 2002 and returned in 2008 and has been on the commission since he said. Elected Official, ATLANTA – Veteran Georgia Public Service Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald withstood a challenge from Democrat Daniel Blackman Tuesday, winning reelection to a six-year term. In 2008, Bubba McDonald returned, now a newly minted Republican and he ran for his PSC seat again. He lost. McDonald has stated he is “very open to improvements in technology that are market-driven and clean,” when asked about solar. READ THE  ‘WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND’ BLOG SERIES. The Associated Press projected the incumbent McDonald as the winner Wednesday afternoon. But as he seeks a third term on the commission, the election season has not gone as swimmingly for the anthem-singing octogenarian as he might have hoped. He rejoined the Commission after being re-elected in 2008 and has served since. State House. Longtime Public Service Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald took an easy majority of votes in Oconee County in a runoff election Tuesday against Democrat Daniel Blackman. Suzanne is from Atlanta, Georgia and is a summer intern with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Bubba then ran for re-election, but for the first time his name appeared on the ballot as just Lauren McDonald—no “Bubba.” He lost. In this blog, we examine the policies and positions of Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, the Republican candidate running for District 4 on Georgia's Public Service Commission. Some states, such as Georgia, elect the members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) while other states appoint their members through the Governor or the General Assembly. In a District 4 runoff for public service commissioner, Republican incumbent Lauren “Bubba” McDonald Jr. faces Democratic challenger Daniel Blackman. McDonald earns another term as Georgia utility regulator. I will continue to combine the megawatts of nuclear energy, decommission out-of-date coal facilities and increasing solar power in the state.”, Commissioner McDonald said, “Climate change is bigger than Georgia” when questioned about where he sees the effects of climate change in Georgia. McDonald was first, he is “very open to improvements in technology that are market-driven and clean,” when asked about solar. We can’t help what China’s doing belching out carbon dioxide on a daily basis.”, During an October 2020 debate, Commissioner McDonald highlighted Georgia Power’s most recent rate case, where the PSC approved cost recovery for $6 million to expand electric vehicle infrastructure. Website by, McDonald earned a BBA in Business from the University of Georgia. Bubba then ran for re-election, but for the first-time his name appeared on the ballot as just Lauren McDonald. McDonald was first appointed to the public service commission to f… McDonald … McDonald was first appointed to the PSC in 1998 by Governor Zell Miller to fill a vacated post and then won a special election and served out the term from 1998 to 2002. Also in this series we profile Daniel Blackman, the Democratic candidate in the same race. green energy, and take cash from lobbyists. McDonald even defended Obama-era loan guarantees for solar from what he called “an attempt by Fox News to create another ‘solar scandal,’” back in 2011. Incumbent Lauren “Bubba” McDonald was today re-elected to the Georgia District 4 PSC committee. Republican Nominee for District 4, Lauren “Bubba” McDonald. All rights reserved. He has consistently, in favor of continuing construction of Plant Vogtle’s Units Three and Four. See our User Agreement and Privacy Policy. You…. He characterized accelerating the use of electric vehicles as “the future,” but added that “it’s not here yet and it’s expensive infrastructure to put in.”. Links to reports, candidate websites and outside sources are provided as citizen education tools. McDonald acknowledged the importance of clean energy and clean air when he said: “Georgia has achieved some of the cleanest air in the nation through conservative principles and conservative leadership. Lauren “Bubba” McDonald won more votes than either David Perdue or Sen. Kelly Loeffler in Tuesday’s election to claim a fourth term on the Georgia Public Service commission. The Republicans won 34 seats and the Democrats won 22 seats. McDonald is a strong proponent of solar (including, , “As a result of my efforts over the past ten years with the support from my colleagues on the Georgia PSC, we have successfully added more than 1 gigawatt of solar energy to Georgia Power’s portfolio with an additional 1.6 gigawatts scheduled to come online by the end of 2021.”. Republican Lauren "Bubba" McDonald has been reelected to the Georgia Public Service Commission. Before his time on the Commission, McDonald served 20 years in the Georgia House of Representatives. This post is the last of our series of blogs examining where 2020 Southeastern candidates for state and federal offices stand on key energy and climate issues. He … McDonald earned a BBA in Business from the University of Georgia. District 4 includes more than three dozen counties in north Georgia. Meet Lauren; Issues; Get Involved; Meet Lauren. We were unable to confirm the candidate’s position on this energy-related issue in published media, public records, or the campaign website. McDonald has been a commissioner in Jackson County, served on the Board of Managers of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia and volunteered as a firefighter for the city of Commerce. This guy's on the May 20th Georgia Republican primary ballot in all 159 counties. For voting information in Georgia, including updates about the impact of COVID-19 on voting, click here. No public clipboards found for this slide, Lauren "Bubba" McDonald: The Lazy, Unethical, Liberal Incumbent. McDonald has a deep knowledge of the energy industry. Election 2020. Democrat Daniel Blackman led Republican incumbent Lauren "Bubba" McDonald in the runoff for Public Service Commission, with 69% of Richmond County votes. The Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC) oversees utility rates in the state. Georgia election manager expects Ossoff, Warnock leads to hold . U.S. … With most votes counted, Lauren “Bubba” McDonald is the only Republican who appears to have won out of three statewide runoffs. Lauren “Bubba” McDonald: Incumbent Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald owns a funeral home and also served in the General Assembly for 20 years. Lauren "Bubba" McDonald . Utilizing executive powers and simultaneously working to support and bolster existing market trends, the Biden administration seems to be pursuing a sea change in how we confront the climate crisis. The totals include absentee and advance ballots, which were counted first. The Public Service Commission contest pits Republican incumbent Lauren “Bubba” McDonald against Democratic challenger Daniel Blackman. On November 3, 2020 neither candidate in this race secured the 50% of the vote necessary for victory under state law, and therefore this election is moving to a runoff on January 5, 2021. All 56 seats in the Georgia State Senate were up for election in 2020. We use your LinkedIn profile and activity data to personalize ads and to show you more relevant ads. McDonald defeated Democrat Daniel Blackman in a runoff after falling short of a majority in the November general election. In this blog, we examine the policies and positions of Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, the Republican candidate running for District 4 on Georgia’s Public Service Commission. Democrat Daniel Blackman led Republican incumbent Lauren "Bubba" McDonald in the runoff for Public Service Commission, with 69% of Richmond County votes. The totals include absentee and advance ballots, which were counted first. Lauren “Bubba” McDonald won the Georgia Public Service Commission District 4 runoff this week against his Democratic opponent, Daniel Blackman, after falling short of a majority in the November general election.. This post is part of a series of blogs examining where 2020 Southeastern candidates for state and federal offices stand on key energy and climate issues. In a District 4 runoff for public service commissioner, Republican incumbent Lauren "Bubba" McDonald Jr. faces Democratic challenger Daniel Blackman. While the exact roles and responsibilities of a Public Service Commissioner (or Public Utility Commissioner) vary from state to state, their general role is the regulation and oversight of essential utility services such as energy, telecommunications, and water. This blog was researched and co-written by Suzanne Hollis, a rising junior at the University of North Carolina studying environmental science quantitative energy systems and physics. I don’t go to work often, but if I do, I support Incumbent candidates Lauren “Bubba” McDonald and Jason Shaw opposed a springtime measure that allowed Georgia Power to add COVID-19 costs … Zell Miller in 1998. Polk county sees few issues, record turnout in runoff election ... Republican incumbent Lauren “Bubba” McDonald Jr. won reelection to the state’s Public Service Commission. McDonald is a consistent supporter of nuclear energy, calling it the “best friend” and “best partner” for solar. 1. ATLANTA — Veteran Georgia Public Service Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald withstood a challenge from Democrat Daniel Blackman Tuesday, winning re-election to a six-year term. McDonald ran for the five-member utility regulator in a race that drew much … The Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC) oversees utility rates in the state. Election 2020. (The Center Square) – Republican incumbent Lauren "Bubba" McDonald Jr. appears to have held on to his District 4 seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission (GPSC), defeating Democratic challenger Daniel Blackman in Tuesday's runoff election. Also in this series we profile Daniel Blackman, Democratic candidate for District 4 on Georgia's Public Service Commission. When asked about nuclear, he, “…to me, it’s foolproof. Election 2020. In this blog, we examine the policies and positions of Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, the Republican candidate running for District 4 on Georgia's Public Service Commission. Each was a surprise upset. If you are interested in learning more about where your state’s candidates for federal and state office stand on energy, click here to access the entire 2020 blog series. Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. “I’ve got to finish the project,” McDonald said. See our Privacy Policy and User Agreement for details. Bubba then ran for re-election, but for the first-time his name appeared on the ballot as just Lauren McDonald — no “Bubba.” He lost. The only son of a school teacher and a small-business owner, Lauren was born in Commerce, GA where he went to work at a young age with his dad’s local hardware store. If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. Stanley Dunlap-January 7, 2021. Now customize the name of a clipboard to store your clips. Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Jr. (incumbent) 2,234,689 : 50.38 : Democratic: Daniel Blackman 2,200,962 49.62 Total votes 4,435,651 : 100 : Republican hold: General Assembly State Senate. Billion dollar Plant Vogtle tab debate could be on the line... Stanley Dunlap-December 16, 2020. READ THE ‘WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND’ BLOG SERIES. Looks like you’ve clipped this slide to already. Stanley Dunlap-January 6, 2021. He served for 20 years in the Georgia House of Representatives, chairing the Industry Committee for five years and the Appropriations Committee for eight. District 4 includes more than three dozen counties in north Georgia. Together we’re making a lasting impact across the Southeast. That’s with our nuclear program.”. When asked about nuclear, he said “…to me, it’s foolproof. He has served on the PSC on and off since 1998 when he was appointed to fill an unexpired term. In terms of energy efficiency, the final stipulation in the most recent Georgia Power IRP required the company to increase energy efficiency savings 15% over the next three years on a motion from Commissioner McDonald. The voter registration deadline for the U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia is December 7 and early voting begins December 14, 2020. I will continue to combine the megawatts of nuclear energy, decommission out-of-date coal facilities and increasing solar power in the state.”, McDonald is a consistent supporter of nuclear energy, calling it the “best friend” and “best partner” for solar. Note: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. The only outstanding ballots are a few hundred that include provisional ballots which require a voter to prove identity and military ballots which have … Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. It’s amazing… nuclear has got to expand.” McDonald has, solar over fracked gas: “Fuel from the sun is free, natural gas is a commodity.”, SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, series of blogs examining where 2020 Southeastern candidates, Biden is laying a solid foundation for action on climate, energy, and equity, SACE's Third Annual "Energy Efficiency in the Southeast" Report: A Solution to Multiple Crises, Knoxville Climate Council Holds Recap Meeting. McDonald pointed to the Commission’s record of decommissioning coal plants during the past eight years, but noted that it’s “not necessarily because we don’t like coal, it’s the fact that they’re worn out, they’re tired, they’re not economically retrofittable to go with combined cycle natural gas…so we’ve moved in other directions. Tag: Lauren “Bubba” McDonald. McDonald was appointed to the GPSC by former Gov. McDonald is a strong proponent of solar (including referring to himself as the godfather of Georgia solar) and has said, “As a result of my efforts over the past ten years with the support from my colleagues on the Georgia PSC, we have successfully added more than 1 gigawatt of solar energy to Georgia Power’s portfolio with an additional 1.6 gigawatts scheduled to come online by the end of 2021.” In terms of energy efficiency, the final stipulation in the most recent Georgia Power IRP required the company to increase energy efficiency savings 15% over the next three years on a motion from Commissioner McDonald. Democrats, raise electricity prices, mandate Each were surprise upsets. You can change your ad preferences anytime. Incumbent, State-wide the importance of clean energy and clean air when he said: “Georgia has achieved some of the cleanest air in the nation through conservative principles and conservative leadership. PO Box 1842Knoxville, TN 37901865.637.6055, Since 2006 Jennifer has worked with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund to to advance stronger federal, state, and utility clean…, Copyright © 2021 cleanenergy.org / Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Republican McDonald is a solar enthusiast. Incumbent, State-wide Elected Official, Public Service Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald: I don’t go to work often, but if I do, I support Democrats, raise electricity prices, mandate green energy, and take cash from lobbyists. Lauren W. McDonald, III is the product of a family where service, honor and duty are cornerstone principals. It’s amazing… nuclear has got to expand.” McDonald has supported solar over fracked gas: “Fuel from the sun is free, natural gas is a commodity.”, In relation to coal, while serving on the PSC, McDonald voted with the rest of the Commission to approve the retirement of five older coal-burning units.