Senate Resolution No. 2016

BY: Senator ASHBY

HONORING Diane X. Burman upon the occasion of the
completion of her term as Commissioner of the New
York State Public Service Commission

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Diane X. Burman upon the occasion of the completion of her term as
Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission; and

WHEREAS, For the past 11 years, and in her previous capacity holding
the position of Public Service Commissioner, Diane X. Burman rendered
faithful, conscientious, and valuable service to the citizens of the
State of New York, earning the admiration, esteem, and affection of her
colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Starting in 1991, Diane X. Burman spent several years
working in the New York State Court system, first as a Clerk at the
Court of Appeals and subsequently as a Senior Court Attorney at the
Supreme Court; and

WHEREAS, Showing a true dedication to the practice of law in the
public interest, Diane X. Burman held various positions as an Assistant
Attorney General at the Office of the State Attorney General, an
Assistant Counsel at the New York State Department of Economic
Development, and a Special Counsel to the Commission at the New York
State Public Service Commission; and

WHEREAS, As a woman with a zeal to improve the lives of others in a
professional capacity, Diane X. Burman worked as the Director of the
Department of Pro Bono Affairs at the New York State Bar Association,
the Assistant Executive Director at the Sidney Albert Albany Jewish
Community Center and as the Executive Director of the New York State
Parent Teacher Association; and

WHEREAS, As a director, advisor and volunteer in many industry
panels and eleemosynary organizations, including as a Member of the
Albany NY Women in Energy Group, the Women in Energy and Communications
in New York and the Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany NY, Diane X.
Burman tirelessly contributed to the welfare of the community at large;
and

WHEREAS, Earning a reputation as a hands-on attorney who was
committed to the welfare of the People of New York, Diane X. Burman
answered the call to become the first female Chief Counsel to the
Majority Conference of the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, Having earned the respect, admiration and trust of Senators
from all parties and all parts of the State, she was nominated in 2013

to the New York State Public Service Commission and confirmed
unanimously by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, Having distinguished herself as a thoughtful, open-minded
and caring adjudicator, Diane X. Burman was again nominated to the New
York State Public Service Commission in 2018 and unanimously confirmed
by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, In her capacity as New York State Public Service
Commissioner, Diane X. Burman served with dedication, honor and
distinction, governed by a keen sense of duty while displaying a unique
grasp of the industries that she was charged to regulate and in her
official acts, kept the safety, reliability and affordability of the
state's energy, telecommunications and private water systems at the
forefront of her efforts on behalf of utility customers in New York
State, and served in numerous roles at the National Association of
Regulatory Utility Commissioners, including Chair of the Gas Committee,
Member of the Board of Trustees, and the Chair of the United States
Department of Energy and NARUC Natural Gas Partnership, and lead
consensus-building at the Gas Technology Institute Public Interest
Advisory Panel and as the Vice Chair of the United States Department of
Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Gas Policy Advisory Committee, among her numerous professional roles;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
express our gratitude on behalf of the state's citizens and to commend
and honor Diane X. Burman upon the occasion of the completion of her
term as Commissioner of the New York State Public Service Commission;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Diane X. Burman.