Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy Committee Chairman Pete Domenici today announced that Energy Committee Deputy Chief Counsel Judy Pensabene will assume the role of chief counsel following the July 4 retirement of current Chief Counsel James Beirne. Domenici’s statement: “Judy Pensabene has a remarkable expertise in both energy and public lands. I’ve known Judy since she and her family moved to Washington more than 20 years ago. I first worked with her when she served as counsel on my research and development subcommittee. I have been impressed with her knowledge of electricity, nuclear energy, oil, gas and national laboratory issues. These are all complex issues, yet Judy is completely at home with them. The committee will benefit from her experience, judgment and management skills.” From 1995 to 2002, Judy managed the Washington office of Constellation Energy Group as Vice President of Federal Affairs and Washington Counsel. From 1990 to 1995, Judy served as Senior Counsel for the Senate Energy Committee. She was the key negotiator for nuclear, environmental, R&D, and selected electricity issues in the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C., Judy practiced law in Tulsa, Oklahoma, representing independent oil and gas producers, primarily in appellate litigation. She holds a law degree from the University of Tulsa, home of the National Energy Law & Policy Institute. Retiring Chief Counsel James Beirne became Chief Counsel to the committee in 2001. He joined the Committee in 1966 under then-Chairman Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson and served in a number of positions prior to his appointment as Chief Counsel, including service on the National Fuels and Energy Policy Study. He became senior counsel to the committee in 1983. In addition to full committee responsibilities, he has, at various times, served as counsel and professional staff to the Subcommittees on Territories and Insular Affairs, Parks and Recreation, Indian Affairs, Energy Conservation and Supply, and Water and Power.