WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today challenged Ernest Moniz, President Obama’s nominee to lead the Department of Energy, to be, if confirmed, a strong voice within the administration for policies that are clearly and unambiguously working to keep energy abundant, affordable, clean, diverse and secure. 

(Click for video of Murkowski’s opening statement) 

Murkowski questioned the Energy Department nominee on his support for exporting natural gas, efforts to expand the use of hydropower and the nation’s continued use of coal to generate electricity. Moniz testified Tuesday before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Murkowski cautioned Moniz on the need to reform some existing programs at the Department of Energy, reminding the nominee that the department has in recent years made a series of bad or unnecessary bets – on Solyndra, A123, and others – that have left taxpayers on the hook for substantial losses. 

“All of us would do well to remember that success is not measured through spending or good intentions, but the actual results that are achieved,” Murkowski said.      

(Click for video of Murkowski questioning Moniz)   

Murkowski, the committee’s ranking Republican, told the nominee that she remains committed to providing appropriate oversight of the Department of Energy and ensuring that its programs are providing real benefit to American taxpayers.

“I’m optimistic that our committee can also reform some of these programs and end those that aren’t working as planned,” Murkowski said. “But we will also need help from our Secretary of Energy. Policy and management are different animals, and the person we confirm to run DOE must excel at both.”

###