Virginia State Corporation Commission: Responsible Regulation for the Commonwealth

The Virginia State Corporation Commission is probably the most powerful agency in the Commonwealth. The SCC has legislative, judicial, and administrative authority. Its jurisdiction includes regulation of railroads, and telephone, telegraph, water, gas and electric utilities, motor carriers, financial institutions, the insurance and securities industries, as well as administration of the laws governing all corporations doing business in Virginia. As such, SCC policies have a significant impact on the business and personal lives of many Virginians.

In this article Commission Chairman Elizabeth Lacy provides a brief and insightful view of the SCC's structure, procedures, responsibilities and policies. Chairman Lacy also examines some of the complex issues facing the Commission today.