Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy & Natural Resources Chairman Pete V. Domenici and House Energy & Commerce Chairman Joe Barton issued a joint statement following their meeting today on the energy bill. The joint statement: "Today's meeting marks our first as the energy committee chairmen from our respective houses, and it was both cordial and productive. We established a dialogue and laid the foundation for a successful relationship. “Today's topic was the energy bill, and neither of us is willing to abandon the work that has gone into generating a comprehensive package. We have directed House and Senate staff experts to continue discussions, but with new vigor. We intend to roll up our sleeves and try to find common ground on which a package of legislation can be built and presented. We both recognize that any successful policy agreement must attract broad bipartisan support in both houses of Congress, and that is our goal. “Today's meeting was the first, but not the last, and we will continue getting together regularly on this and other issues."