Joshua Epel, who oversees the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission, has been selected by Gov. John Hickenlooper to be chairman of the state Public Utilities Commission.
Epel, whose appointment must be confirmed by the state Senate, will replace Ron Binz, whose term has expired.
Binz became a controversial figure over his role in drafting legislation to replace old, coal-fired power plants with natural gas units.
Epel is the assistant general counsel at DCP Midstream, a natural gas distribution company, where he oversees environmental, public health and safety matters.
He was appointed to the state oil and gas commission in 2007 as an industry representative. He is currently the chairman of the commission.
“Joshua Epel brings a broad range of experience in energy and environmental policy,” Hickenlooper said in a statement. “His strong business, engineering and legal background give him a strong foundation.”
Epel is an expert on air pollution issues, having represented Colorado on the public advisory committee of the Grand Canyon visibility Transport Commission and as a member of the Regional Air Quality Council.
Mark Jaffe: 303-954-1912 or MJaffe@denverpost.com
