Today, residential solar provider Sunrun filed a lawsuit against Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval for failing to provide any text messages in response to a public records request filed in June. The initial request asked for all communication between NV Energy employees and lobbyists and Governor Sandoval and his staff, including current Public Utilities Commission Chairman Paul Thomsen.
Two of Governor Sandovals closest advisers, Pete Ernaut and Greg Ferraro, are NV Energys top lobbyists. The Governor himself was once an attorney for a utility shareholders group. The public has a right to know what impact those relationships have had on critical policy decisions, including the ongoing rooftop solar debate.
The Governor failed to produce a single text message, said Bryan Miller, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Power Markets at Sunrun. Politicians have tried to hide texts and emails before, but the law is clear that these are public records. It is unfortunate the Governor has forced us to sue, but the texts will come out.
Governor Sandovals appointees at the Public Utilities Commission, including Chairman Thomsen, will soon determine whether to grant NV Energys request to eliminate the rooftop solar industry and its 6,000 solar jobs.
