U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) were recently appointed to lead key subcommittees of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee during the 115th Congress.
Daines will chair the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Gardner will head the Subcommittee on Energy, and Flake will chair the Water and Power Subcommittee.
Daines will be tasked with oversight and legislative responsibilities pertaining to the national park system, wild and scenic rivers system, national trails system, national recreation areas, historic sites, military parks and battlefields, the land and water conservation fund, outdoor recreation resources, preservation of prehistoric ruins and areas of interest on the public domain.
“Growing up just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, I know the importance of our national parks to Montanans’ way of life,” Daines said. “In this new role, I’ll continue to champion our national parks by working with the Trump administration to reduce the maintenance backlog and restore integrity to Park Service. We must create a national park system that honors America’s Best Idea.”
Daines will also serve as a member of the Energy Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining.
On the Energy Subcommittee, Gardner will have jurisdiction over legislative, oversight and regulatory responsibilities regarding energy production and distribution, in addition to research and development of new technologies.
“A strong and responsible energy policy is critical to unleashing our energy potential, and I look forward to using my new position to advance policy that benefits Coloradans and all Americans,” Gardner said. “I have long advocated for an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and that includes pursuing renewables, such as wind, solar and geothermal, as well as conventional sources. I look forward to working with members of both parties toward solutions that reflect a balanced approach to achieving energy security.”
Flake will be responsible for oversight of irrigation, reclamation projects, power marketing administrations, energy development impacts on water resources, groundwater resources and management, hydroelectric power, and issues related to deepwater ports.
“I look forward to using this chairmanship to improve stewardship of Arizona’s water and energy resources,” Flake said. “Whether it’s strengthening oversight at (Western Area Power Administration), protecting Arizona’s voluntary water contributions to Lake Mead, or taking proactive steps to prevent a drought declaration in Arizona, I will actively work with my colleagues on the Water and Power Subcommittee to hold federal agencies accountable.”