Washington, D.C. – Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today announced that the committee voted to favorably report the nomination of Dr. Ernest Moniz to serve as Secretary of Energy.

“Dr. Moniz could become the first Secretary of Energy who, instead of having to confront energy shortages and scarcity, instead would oversee an era of abundant carbon-reducing natural gas and dramatic growth of renewable energy technologies,” Wyden said.

“From my experience working with Dr. Moniz, I believe he is more than up to the challenges that our country is going to face in this historic transition for our energy sector.”

The committee approved the nomination by a vote of 21 to 1. The nomination now goes to the full Senate for its consideration.