U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing to consider the nomination of Dan Brouillette to be Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE). The Senate previously confirmed Mr. Brouillette to be Deputy Secretary with a strong bipartisan vote of 79-17 on August 3, 2017, and he has served in that role since then. Current Secretary Rick Perry has announced he will depart DOE on December 1.

Murkowski opened the hearing by expressing her strong support for Brouillette’s nomination, recognizing he has done an excellent job as second-in-command to Secretary Rick Perry.

“As Deputy Secretary, Mr. Brouillette has helped craft a solid agenda for the Department that is focused on science and technology, including new fields like quantum and artificial intelligence,” Murkowski said. “I appreciate Mr. Brouillette’s visits to Alaska, to see our needs and opportunities in communities like Kwigillingok and Kongiganak. He has made a good impression on just about everyone, and he is a great choice to replace Secretary Perry.”

Murkowski also spoke to the important role that DOE plays in fostering energy security and energy innovation.

“The United States is a leading energy producer and a disruptor of world markets. We are now sending oil and LNG around the world, providing our friends and allies with energy while creating jobs and prosperity here at home,” Murkowski said. “We are also on the cutting edge of exciting technologies like advanced nuclear energy, carbon capture, and energy storage. Through the Department’s continued work, we have the opportunity to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and build on our status as a global leader in the field of energy.” 

Later in the hearing, Murkowski asked Brouillette about his priorities for the Arctic, encouraging him to ensure the Department engages on issues affecting the region. Brouillette responded that the U.S. needs to do more, not less, and pledged to lead the effort to expand the Department’s efforts. He noted the Department plans to expand the Office of Indian Energy, which helps Alaska Native villages transition off of costly diesel fuel, and will re-open and fully staff an Arctic Energy Office by the end of 2020.

Murkowski is chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. She is also chairman of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee and a member of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, where she has worked to revive DOE’s Arctic Energy Office over the last two budget cycles.

An archived video and witness testimony from today’s hearing are available on the committee’s website. Click here, here, and here to view Murkowski’s questions for Brouillette.