Utility regulator Todd Snitchler has been bashing renewable energy and questioning global warming via Twitter.

As chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Snitchler leads a panel that evaluates whether wind and solar projects are in the public's interest. Last week, the panel voted against a proposal from American Electric Power to incorporate power from the Turning Point Solar project into its renewable energy portfolio.

According to The Columbus Dispatch, Snitchler retweeted a story titled "Elites of West have cranked up myth of Global Warming" from the Russian newspaper Pravda, calling it "interesting." He has also made comments on how clean energy aid "racks up losses" and how the Himalayas haven't lost any ice in the past 10 years, "study shows."

While Snitcher's Twitter profile states that his tweets "do not reflect the views of the PUCO," the newspaper reports his posts include PUCO official news and notices of hearings.

According to PUCO spokesman Jason Gilham, all commission members have their own political leanings (AP/Fuel Fix, Jan. 15). -- IP