Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Thomas W. Pugh to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Pugh will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Gregory Scott to complete a six-year term that expires on January 3, 2005.

Pugh is an attorney and partner with the South St. Paul law firm of Thuet, Pugh, Rogosheske, & Atkins. He has been with the firm and its predecessors since 1976. Pugh is also serving his eighth term as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. He was first elected in 1988 and was House Minority Leader from 1999 through 2002. Pugh earned his juris doctorate degree cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1976 and his bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire in 1971.

"I have known Tom both personally and professionally for a long time," Governor Pawlenty said. "He has the intellect, integrity and professional background for this critically-important position that impacts every Minnesotan's life."

"I appreciate the Governor's confidence in my ability to serve the people of Minnesota," Pugh said. "I look forward to the challenge of meeting the state's need for energy and other public utilities while protecting the rights of consumers and the quality of our environment."

Pugh, 54, lives in South St. Paul with his wife, Susan. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.

The Public Utilities Commission is comprised of five commissioners who serve in full-time, paid positions at an annual salary of $88,448. The PUC regulates the rates and services of electric, natural gas and telephone companies. The Commission acts through public hearings, contested case hearings, rule-making hearings, and informal complaint resolutions.

Representative Pugh's start date at the PUC will be September 1, 2004.