WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today announced a departure from her Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee staff. Colin Hayes, senior professional staff, will leave the committee on Dec. 6 to pursue a new career opportunity.

Hayes joined the energy committee in 2003. His current portfolio includes mining, energy finance, climate change, environmental regulation, and other issues. During his time with the committee, Hayes worked on multiple bills that became law, including the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013. He was also the guiding force behind the recently re-introduced Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2013, which has already drawn a total of 17 bipartisan cosponsors.

“Colin has served the committee for more than a decade and has been a trusted advisor throughout my time as ranking member,” Murkowski said. “He has significant knowledge of the legislative process and broad expertise on energy, environmental, and resources policy. Colin’s departure is a big loss for our team, but we wish him the best and thank him for everything he has done here.”

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