Steve Hilton Calls for Removal of Nancy Skinner and Plans to Abolish California Energy Commission

Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is calling for the removal of Nancy Skinner from the California Energy Commission (CEC), arguing that she is not qualified for the commission seat intended for an engineering or scientific expert. He also renewed his pledge to eliminate the CEC entirely as part of his broader effort to streamline state government and reduce bureaucratic waste.

A bill to regulate car tires was passed by the California Legislature 20 years ago but never implemented, the Globe reported.

Assembly Bill 844 “directs the California Energy Commission to adopt a Replacement Tire Efficiency Program to ensure replacement tires for passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in California are at least as energy-efficient as the tires sold as original equipment on new vehicles.”

Skinner justified the decision by the California Energy Commission “we regulate appliances, tires are kind of like that.”

As the Globe explained, California Energy Commissioner Skinner wants to restrict car tires because they can’t ban cars. Then we reminded readers that Nancy Skinner is the same lawmaker who tried to ban bullets when she couldn’t ban your guns.

Hilton continues:

The CEC plays a central role in decisions affecting energy policy, grid reliability, power plant approvals, and energy infrastructure. Hilton argues that the seat Skinner occupies was created to provide technical expertise on those issues and that appointing a career politician undermines the purpose of the position.

“If we’re serious about fixing California’s energy challenges, we need people with the right qualifications making these decisions,” Hilton said.

State law requires one member of the commission to have a background in engineering or physical science and knowledge of energy supply or conversion systems. Skinner’s background includes degrees in environmental studies and education, along with a career focused primarily on elected office, policy advocacy, and legislative work.

During her May 2025 Senate confirmation hearing, Skinner acknowledged that she did not possess “that type of scientific expertise” (32:10) and said quantitative work was “not my forte.” Hilton argues her credentials and testimony make clear she lacks the merit for a seat intended to help evaluate issues such as grid reliability, energy infrastructure, and power plant approvals.

Hilton said the decision reflects a broader Sacramento culture where political connections take precedence over qualifications.

The Globe reported:

Former State Senator Nancy Skinner, a Democrat from Berkeley (redundant, right?), was confirmed by the Senate in May 2025 for an appointment to the California Energy Commission. Nominated by Governor Gavin Newsom for the California Energy Commission, Skinner was an institution in the California Legislature, having served since 2008, and known for supporting some of the most radical policies: pro-abortion any time in the pregnancy, global warming, climate change and radical environmentalism. Skinner even authored SB 345 which provides legal protections for medication abortions and “gender-affirming care” – dangerous, irreversible hormone treatments for gender-confused “trans” persons.

“The people of California are being asked to trust decisions that affect their daily lives and economic future,” Hilton said. “That trust depends on competence, credibility, and adherence to the rules, not on insider status and political convenience.”

Under Hilton’s plan, the commission’s functions would be consolidated with the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the remaining functions of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) to streamline oversight and reduce duplication. If the Legislature refuses to approve those reforms, Hilton said he would pursue defunding the agency and require lawmakers to publicly vote on whether it should continue to exist.

The Globe approves of Steve Hilton’s plan.