NASHVILLE (AP) — Earl Taylor has been named the new executive director of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, which is responsible for setting rates and service standards for privately owned utilities.

Gov. Bill Haslam announced on Tuesday the joint appointment of Taylor and two more directors to serve on the agency. The additional directors are James Allison and Herbert Hilliard.

Earlier this year the General Assembly passed a law that changed the membership of the regulatory board from four full-time members to five part-time members and an executive director.

Taylor was jointly appointed by Haslam, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and House Speaker Beth Harwell.