Senate approves Moniz to serve as energy secretary

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2013 – The Senate today approved, with a 97-0 vote, the nomination of Ernest Moniz to serve as secretary of the Energy Department.

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., applauded the confirmation of Moniz.

“Secretary Moniz’s views suggest an openness to utilizing all of our resources,” Moniz said. “I am particularly encouraged he believes in finding a path forward for coal by continued investment and development in carbon capture and sequestration technologies.”

Heitkamp noted that Moniz has a clear understanding of the continued use of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas reserves.

Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Ethanol Council, congratulated Moniz.

“He clearly understands what it takes to commercialize new energy technologies, and we look forward to working with the secretary and his colleagues going forward as the advanced ethanol industry deploys commercially in the United States and abroad,” Coleman said.

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) also was pleased with the choice.

“Given his background and expertise in energy, we look forward to the secretary’s first visit to an ethanol plant,” RFA said. “We are eager for him to see firsthand the positive economic impact the Renewable Fuel Standard has had in creating new jobs and revitalizing rural economies. We are anxious to introduce him to drivers who appreciate having fuel choices at the pump that save money and protect the environment.”

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