Riggs earned a spate of publicity in October when he defended Humboldt County sheriff's deputies who swabbed pepper spray onto the eyes of several environmental protesters demonstrating in his district office.

CNN: Rep. Riggs To Run For Senate

According to a study conducted by Schatz Energy Research Center at Humboldt State University, electrical use per household in urban areas of Humboldt County has shot up 50 percent since 1996, while in Arcata and more rural areas, household electricity use has jumped 60 percent.

FORBES: Written by Matt Hickman