U.S. industry lauds nomination for DOE chief

Industry groups have praised President Bill Clinton's nomination of United Nations Ambassador William B. Richardson to serve as U.S. Energy Secretary, replacing the retiring Federico Peña (OGJ, June 22, 1998, Newsletter). Richardson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico in 1982 and resigned to become U.N. Ambassador in February 1997. Senate energy committee staff said Richardson's confirmation hearing would be held before the August recess if the White

June 29, 1998

3 min read

Bill Richardson
U.S. Energy Secretary nominee

Richardson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico in 1982 and resigned to become U.N. Ambassador in February 1997.

Senate energy committee staff said Richardson's confirmation hearing would be held before the August recess if the White House forwards the nomination soon. Otherwise, it will be delayed until September.

Peña leaves office June 30, and Deputy Sec. Elizabeth Moler is expected to be named acting secretary until Richardson is confirmed (OGJ, Apr. 13, 1998. p. 31).

Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-Alas.), energy committee chairman, said, "I intend to move this nomination with all deliberate speed. We will follow the normal nomination procedure for Mr. Richardson, including a thorough investigation of every relevant item in his past.

"However, Mr. Richardson already was confirmed by the Senate last year, and unless something unusual arises, I would again anticipate his confirmation."

At the confirmation hearing, Richardson is expected to be questioned about his offer of a job last fall to Monica Lewinsky, a former White House aide. Kenneth Starr, the Whitewater independent counsel, is investigating Lewinsky's relationship with President Bill Clinton.

Reactions

Sec. Peña called Richardson "an excellent choice." Peña said, "He has the experience to tackle the important energy security, national security, science and technology, and environmental cleanup work of the department."

The American Petroleum Institute said, "We are encouraged that someone from an energy producing state has been nominated. We look forward to working with Ambassador Richardson on the various issues that face the energy industry in the U.S."

George Yates, Independent Petroleum Association of America chairman, said the nominee formerly represented the gas-producing San Juan Valley.

"Richardson understands the importance of America's domestic oil and natural gas industry to this nation. Coming from New Mexico, he also understands the importance of national laboratories and the need for technology transfer.

"Bill Richardson is a very bright, very pragmatic person, who has the potential to be an outstanding spokesperson for oil and gas issues. We are eager to meet with him to discuss his goals and our legislative and regulatory initiatives for stimulating America's oil and natural gas production."

The American Gas Association said, "Bill Richardson has broad experience dealing with important issues in Congress, including service on the House energy and commerce committee, as well as in the international arena.

"We look forward to working with him to achieve the national goals of increasing energy efficiency, strengthening national security, and attacking a cluster of environmental problems."

The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America said, "Bill Richardson is a friend of the natural gas industry who brings a wide range of experience and expertise to the Energy Department."