Brownback names new member to utility commission

? Gov. Sam Brownback has named an attorney from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to a seat on the state commission that regulates utilities.

Brownback announced the appointment of Shari Feist Albrecht to the three-member Kansas Corporation Commission on Monday. She replaces Ward Loyd, an attorney and former Kansas House member from Garden City whose term expired earlier this year.

Albrecht has worked for KDHE since 1993. She was a supervisor in its environmental protection division before becoming associate chief counsel. She previously served on the Corporation Commission staff in the division that regulates oil and natural gas companies.

Brownback cited Albrecht’s experience with oil and gas issues in appointing her to the KCC.