Washington, D.C. – Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, released the following statement after Energy Secretary-Designate Jennifer Granholm’s nomination hearing:
“The Biden administration on day one was ready for immediate action on climate, and Governor Granholm as the President’s choice for Energy Secretary is an All-Star in that lineup. As Governor of Michigan she worked relentlessly on the climate crisis, showing a deep understanding that clean energy means good-paying jobs for Americans to support their families.
“When it comes to this administration’s plans to mobilize Americans and put them to work to deal with climate change and improve conservation, we are on the same page. My 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps proposal will bolster any actions by the administration in this arena. And as Secretary of Energy, Governor Granholm will be poised to advance daring, cutting-edge research to come up with science-based strategies to help this work along and reduce carbon in our communities. I know she’s up for the task.
“Lastly, the cleanup of the Hanford waste facility has been one of the longest running battles. Oregonians will be relieved to hear that Governor Granholm expressed her commitment to swift action on this project that affects so many in Eastern Oregon and the entire Northwest. I look forward to working with her to make real progress after years of administrations kicking the can down the road.”