Laura Olton's nomination had snagged on a requirement in state law that PUC members be qualified to vote in Rhode Island: Olton, a resident of Wellesley, Massachusetts, is not.

PROVIDENCE — Gov. Gina Raimondo's nominee to chair the state's rate-setting Public Utilities Commission has withdrawn her name from consideration.

Laura Olton's nomination had snagged on a requirement in state law that PUC members be qualified to vote in Rhode Island. Olton, a resident of Wellesley, Massachusetts, was not.

The governor's office released a letter from Olton, a former National Grid lawyer, to Raimondo's chief of staff, Brett Smiley, that said:

"I was extremely honored when Governor Raimondo’s office nominated me to serve as Chair of the Public Utilities Commission. In particular, it was wonderful to meet with the Governor and discuss her vision for a green and low-cost energy future for Rhode Island. Given my extensive experience in energy regulation and my demonstrated commitment to public service, it felt like a perfect opportunity to bring my knowledge and leadership to Rhode Island to further the state's clean and affordable energy agenda.

"Unfortunately, however, it has become clear over the last several weeks that matters unrelated to my qualifications have impacted the appointment process and, as a result, I have decided to respectfully withdraw my name from consideration," she wrote.

Olton had pledged to move to Rhode Island if confirmed, but Senate leaders declined to hold a confirmation hearing for a nominee who wasn't already qualified under law.

She registered to vote from her cousin's address on Annawamscutt Road in Barrington and, after 30 days, became a qualified Rhode Island voter, while still registered to vote in Wellesley.

But she withdrew her registration in the face of a residency challenge filed against her with the Barrington Board of Canvassers by the state GOP.

Raimondo's comment on Olton's withdrawal: "Laura Olton has extensive experience in the energy sector and would have been an asset to the Public Utilities Commission as Rhode Island moves to build a clean, affordable, and reliable energy future. While I’m disappointed to lose a nominee of her caliber, I respect her decision and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors. I look forward to selecting a new nominee for the PUC in the coming months."