Reappointment of Public Utility Commissioners

Bard, Attorney General,

You have requested our opinion as to whether you, as Governor, may, after an appointment of an individual as a member of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has been rejected by the Senate, appoint the same individual, after adjournment of the Senate, to the unexpired residue of the term of the office.

The appointive powers of the Governor with respect to the office of member of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission are defined by the Act of March 31, 1937, P. L. 160, which provides, in part, as follows:

“Section 1. (a) A commission to be known as the…