Grayson to Serve as Lead Democrat on Energy Subcommittee
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-09) issued the following statement today after being elected the ranking Democratic member of the vital Energy Subcommittee of the Science, Space and Technology Committee by his Democratic colleagues.
“I have held a lifelong interest in the field of energy development, and a particular fascination in commercial applications of energy technology and environmental research. I will serve as an ardent advocate for the Department of Energy’s laboratories, science activities, and energy supply activities, as well as its efforts to pursue solar and renewable energy technologies. I will rebuff any attempts to attack the science of climate change. America cannot afford to see other countries like Germany take the lead in energy research and technology. I want to make sure that the billions of dollars that our government invests each year in energy research are well-spent, and help us make tangible progress toward cheaper and cleaner energy.”
The Energy Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all research activities at the U.S. Department of Energy, for which President Obama recently requested $11.5 billion for energy programs in his budget for fiscal year 2016. Its legislative authority includes energy supply activities, as well as nuclear, solar, and renewable technology sources. It also has jurisdiction over pipeline, fossil- and alternate-fuel research, and energy standards.
“In this Congress, Democrats on the Committee will have an opportunity and a responsibility to positively affect our nation's future through our consideration of issues such as education, research, energy, space exploration, manufacturing, and the environment,” said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, (TX-30), the ranking member on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Committee. “I believe Mr. Grayson will be a great asset as Ranking Member of the Energy Subcommittee and I look forward to working with him this Congress.”
Grayson will continue to serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and its Western Hemisphere and Middle East and North Africa subcommittees.
Congressman Alan Grayson represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, which includes Osceola County, as well as parts of Orange and Polk. He previously served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 8th Congressional District in the 111th Congress.
