ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore released the following statement on Juan Alvarado's decision to withdraw from appointment consideration for the Public Service Commission:

    “I want to thank Juan Alvarado for raising his hand to serve our state as a member of the Public Service Commission. Juan shares our conviction that addressing climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and his deep understanding of the Public Service Commission was knowledge that would have served Maryland well. I understand this was a difficult decision for Juan, but respect his decision to withdraw from the confirmation process.

    As we look ahead, my administration is fully committed to achieving Maryland’s bold and necessary climate, energy, and resilience goals. Our nominees to the Public Service Commission will be aligned with our administration’s goals, and we will work in partnership throughout this confirmation process to move Maryland forward.”

Mr. Alvarado issued the following statement:

    “I was honored to be nominated for the Public Service Commission. My 12 years of service to Maryland as a member of that institution gave me the highest reverence for the work it does each and every day to address climate change, improve service to ratepayers, and ensure families have access to reliable telecommunications, gas, and electricity.

    Climate change is the fight of our lives, and I believe that we have real and substantive challenges to meet Maryland’s goals while ensuring continuous and equitable service at fair rates. Those challenges mean all stakeholders need to be at the table executing the state’s vision towards a sustainable future.

    After considerable reflection, I have decided to withdraw my nomination for personal reasons.

    I firmly believe in Governor Moore’s leadership and vision, and know he will continue moving Maryland towards meeting its vital climate goals. I stand ready to help him however I can going forward.”