Senator Domenici's Major Energy Accomplishments
Senator To Retire As Longest Serving Senator in New Mexico History
October 4, 2007
06:43 PM
ALBUQUERQUE -- U.S. Senator Pete Domenici has had a significant impact on our nation’s energy policy. A longtime member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he became the committee’s chairman in 2002 and now serves as its ranking member.
Among Senator Domenici’s major Energy Committee related accomplishments are:
MAJOR LEGISLATION
· Energy Policy Act of 2005—Senator Domenici spearheaded efforts to pass this landmark, comprehensive legislation which strengthened America’s electricity grid, helped spur the growth of renewable energy technologies like wind and solar, set America on a path toward a nuclear energy renaissance, and increased energy efficiency.
· Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006—Domenici authored this bipartisan legislation to open up new areas of the Gulf of Mexico to oil and natural gas exploration in order to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and increase our energy security.
· America COMPETES Act of 2007—Senator Domenici played a major role in developing this multifaceted approach to making America more competitive in the global marketplace, with a particular emphasis on increasing math and science education. The Act authorizes $43 billion in investment into the national science and technology enterprise.
NUCLEAR ENERGY
· Considered one of the nation’s foremost experts and proponents of nuclear energy, Senator Domenici authored “A Brighter Tomorrow—Fulfilling the Promise of Nuclear Energy” in 2004.
· In 1997, delivered a major policy speech at Harvard outlining his vision for a nuclear renaissance. In September 2007, ten years after that speech, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission received its first application to build a nuclear power plant in 29 years. Currently, over 30 have been proposed.
· Played a major role in establishing the Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee program, which was officially released on October 4, 2007.
· Restored research and development funding for nuclear energy, which had been zeroed out in 1995, saving the Nuclear Power 2010 program.
· Helped recruit Louisiana Energy Service to locate their enrichment business in New Mexico from Tennessee, a $2 billion investment.
· Only American to be awarded the French nuclear society’s highest award.
NATIONAL PARKS
· Hibben Center Act to construct and occupy a portion of the Hibben Center for Archeological Research at the University of New Mexico.
· Petroglyph National Monument Establishment Act of 1990, which established the Petroglpyh National Monument and Pecos National Historic Park in New Mexico, thereby protecting 15,000 prehistoric petroglyphs.
· El Malpais National Monument, preserving Pueblo and Navajo heritage.
PUBLIC LANDS AND FORESTS
· Played a major role in convincing the Department of Agriculture to place a Forest Service Center in Albuquerque, adding 800 jobs to the region.
· Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003—Senator Domenici was the author of this major legislation that allows federal land agencies to use the best science available to actively manage land under their protection.
· Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000, which authorized the acquisition of the Valles Caldera and provided for an effective land and wildlife management program within the Department of Agriculture.
· Resolved long standing lands claim by the Pueblo Sandia.
· Legislated the final settlement of the San Ildefonso Pueblo claim from 1948
· Played a key role in development of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which provided $500 million for schools and roads in rural areas. Recently worked to extend this authority to 2012.
NATIONAL SECURITY & NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION
· Coauthored Nunn-Lugar-Domenici, which lead to massive dismantlement of Russian Cold War stockpile.
· Provided $500 M to fund the HEU down blend program 500 tons of highly enriched uranium to be converted into civilian nuclear fuel. This is equal to 20,000 nuclear warheads.
· Provided funding for the Plutonium Disposition Program to kick-start the down blending of 34 tons of weapons grade plutonium from each of the Russia and U.S. stockpiles.
· Invested in the DOE laboratory capability to be the world leading monitors for U.S. effort to combat global proliferation of nuclear material and to build up post-9/11 intelligence capabilities.
NATIONAL LABS AND WIPP
Senator Domenici has driven new investment, facilities, capabilities and mission to the Department of Energy’s national labs. Investment in the labs has increased significantly under his leadership of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee.
· Negotiated the Land Withdrawal Act to establish Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and its defense mission.
· Authored the National Competitiveness Technology Transfer Act of 1989, which enables the labs to form partnerships with private, U.S. industry, helping the labs and New Mexico capitalize on high-tech opportunities and create new jobs. Some of the results can be seen in the Sandia Tech-park in Albuquerque.
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