Washington, DC (January 8, 2009)- The House Energy and Commerce Committee announced that Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) will be named chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment, which will have legislative and oversight jurisdiction over national energy policy, climate change, fuel economy standards, Superfund, hazardous waste, and safe drinking water. Rep. Markey replaces the current subcommittee chair Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), who will take over Markey’s current position as chair of the Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee.
“At a time when our economy and planet are both in crisis, I am eager to chair the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment,” Rep. Markey said in a press release announcing the appointments. “I look forward to pursuing the legislative agenda on climate change and clean energy at this critical time. I also look forward to working with Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Waxman, my friend Rick Boucher and other members on these issues.”
Following the announcement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) praised Markey’s “knowledge, experience, judgment and ability to communicate on this subject so effectively.” Markey is also chair of the Select Committee on Global Warming, and Speaker Pelosi noted, “[T]his makes him really a powerhouse on the issue of global warming and energy independence.”
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