Good afternoon. Thank you for this opportunity to be part of the American Public Power Association’s Annual Legislative Rally. I am pleased to have this opportunity to share with you my thoughts and concerns on energy matters.

Our country has gone too long without a strategic, comprehensive energy policy. The consequences of not developing a sound energy plan can have potential catastrophic effects on our economy and environment. Developing the best energy plan for the United States is the task set before Congress and all the participants in the energy sector. We must fulfill this obligation for the good of our citizens, both present and future.

Republican leadership in the Senate has made enacting energy legislation a priority for the 108th Congress. My goals for the Energy and Natural Resources Committee are to carefully evaluate current circumstances and potential solutions in order to develop a sound foundation for our energy future. One of the most challenging sectors in the energy industry that requires a great deal of our attention is the electricity sector.