Welch Named to Energy Committee

By CHRIS GAROFOLO, Reformer Staff

Wednesday, January 7

BRATTLEBORO -- Vermont Rep. Peter Welch has been appointed to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The U.S. House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee named Welch, D-Vt., to serve on the committee on Monday. His appointment is contingent on Rep. Hilda Solis, D-Calif., being confirmed as President-elect Barack Obama's choice for Secretary of Labor.

Welch received the news just hours before he was sworn into office with the 111st Congress at noon Tuesday. This will be his second term in Washington.

With the new committee appointment, Welch hopes to bring a Vermont "common sense approach" to address health care and energy policy, two of the biggest issues effecting middle class Americans.

"It will be a very significant opportunity to represent the interests of the state of Vermont, (and) the people of Vermont," he said in a phone interview on Tuesday.

This state is regarded as a national leader in health care reform and with renewable energy, especially with Vermont's clean energy fund, he added.

"These are two steps Vermont has taken that I'd like to see included in any national legislation ... We should have a clean energy fund here in Washington that will be good for the economy and create new jobs," said Welch. "This is a tremendous opportunity for Vermonters to have a seat at the table as Congress tackles our nation's most pressing priorities."

The Energy and Commerce committee has jurisdiction over five Cabinet-level departments and seven independent agencies, as well as legislative authority over energy policy, health care, telecommunications, trade and the environment.

"We must reform our health care system, craft a 21st century energy policy and create new, green jobs. On the Energy and Commerce committee we will be able to directly address these and other issues Vermonters care about most and get this country back on track," Welch said.

Organizations within the Green Mountain State have already applauded the appointment, noticing the decision will be in the best interest for Vermonters. The committee will address key energy and global warming legislation in Congress for the upcoming session, issues that are top priorities for Vermont residents.

"With representation on both the House and Senate Energy committees, -- Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is on the Senate committee -- it's even more important that Vermont provide leadership in the green energy economy," said Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, in a news release Tuesday.

"Our state should be an incubator of good ideas that Rep. Welch and Sen. Sanders can take with them to Washington," said Burns. "(Welch's) appointment means that he is not only highly regarded by the House leadership but is now a major player on one of the most important issues facing Vermont and the nation."

Welch will join California Democrat Henry Waxman as new members on the committee. Waxman formerly served as chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and is expected to lead the Energy and Commerce committee as well.

"I am delighted that Peter Welch is joining the Energy and Commerce Committee. Over the last two years, I have worked with him closely on the oversight committee and have been extremely impressed by his leadership," said Waxman in a news release Tuesday. "His exceptional ability and experience will make an important difference as we moved forward in the new Congress."

During his first term in the House, Welch served on the Rules Committee and the oversight committee with Waxman.