For 12 years, Texas energy and environmental regulators have been influenced by Gov. Greg Abbott’s appointments to lead agencies. That includes the five-member Public Utility Commission, the three-member Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and, more indirectly, the board that oversees ERCOT.
On Jan. 19, that appointment power passes to Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa. But she won’t be able to reshape everything overnight. Some positions are immediately available for her appointments, but others are tied to expiring terms, and many require approval from the Republican-majority Texas Senate.
Public Utility Commission (PUC)
The Texas PUC is arguably Hinojosa’s most consequential appointment opportunity for influencing energy. The governor appoints all five members and designates the chair.
Day one: Hinojosa can name a new chair, replacing Thomas Gleeson. She can also move to replace Commissioner Courtney Hjaltman, whose term expired in 2025.
By late January: The Senate never confirmed Commissioners Patrick Rhode or Morgan Johnson. Hinojosa will need to resubmit their nominations or select replacements within the first 10 days of the legislative session, which begins Jan. 12.
Sept. 1: Terms expire for Commissioner Kathleen Jackson and Rhode, creating additional opportunities to change membership.
Hinojosa would have the opportunity to influence a majority of the five-member commission in her first year. If she also replaces Johnson in January and secures Senate approval, she could influence four of the five seats.
Electric Reliability Council of Texas
