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14 Util. Sec. Newsl.: Periodic Rep. Members Sec. Pub. Util. L. A.B.A. 1 (1973-1974)

handle is hein.journals/infrastr14 and id is 1 raw text is: Ljr1j I1u1 SCTJ)N NEWSLETTER A Periodic Reporm r imeniners ol ine ecuon oj ruoc uwutty Law of the American Bar Association Page 1 Vol. 14 No. 1 October 1, 1973 The Chairman's -tatement The annual meeting of the American Bar Association in Washington, D. C. , in early August brought to a close a most successful year for the Section of Public Utility Law. Robert H. Young of Philadelphia, as Chairman for the past year, pro- vided splendid leadership which is evidenced by, among other things, an excellent Annual Report of the Section which you received in August, a fine program at the annual meeting, and at our own Council meetings. The complexities of the legal problems confronting public utilities seem to accelerate with time. In the period ahead, the most pervasive problems for all utilities will undoubtedly be those arising from the pressures of inflation. While the utilities generally have a good record for steadily increasing productivity, none of the utili- ties can possibly cope with 1973's rate of inflation (which may prove to be as much as 10% measured by the Consumer Price Index) without seeking significant rate in- creases. Many regulators are reacting courageously to this problem but there are some who respond so slowly that the resulting regulatory lag is jeopardizing the ability of some utilities to serve the public. In other areas, the utilities' legal problems will multiply. For example, antitrust suits increase, class actions increase and become more complex, fair employment claims are abundant, and environmental problems become staggering. The so- called consumer interests cause delays and create problems, but fortunately more and more regulators and other leaders in the utility field have come to recognize that there really is no basic conflict between consumer interests and investor in- terests. For utilities, good service and good earnings go together. This issue of the Newsletter carries the names of our new Council members and committee chairmen and vice-chairmen. They are leaders in the field of utility law in this country, and I feel most honored, but humble, at the opportunity to serve as Chairman of this group for the coming year. I particularly look forward to working with our new Chairman-elect, David G. Macdonald of Washington, D. C., who will contribute experi- ence and ability to our Section's activities. It is my hope that this coming year will bring in- creased interest and participation by all members of the Section. To this end, Francis X. Welch, editor of this Newsletter, and I have agreed that we should invite all members of the Section to sub- mit for publication in the Newsletter notes, com- ments, or items which would be of interest to utility lawyers generally. The Newsletter will be published on the first of January, April, and July, and your submissions should be received by our editor at Suite 502, 1828 L St. , N. W., Washington, D. C. 20036, at least fifteen days in advance. Obviously, brevity is essential. But if the response is good, we may even increase the F. Mark 1arlinghouse size of the Newsletter. So please send in your

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