Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CD-7) today was elected to lead the New Democrat Coalition Task Force on Energy.
“I’m honored to serve as a chair of the New Democrats energy task force as we work to create a robust, market-based approach to building a clean energy future,” said Perlmutter in a press release. “We must invest in the small businesses and research that will help us transition into a new way to power our country. These investments are good for jobs, good for national security and good for the environment.”
“The New Democrats are a pro-business moderate Democratic coalition,” said Perlmutter spokesperson Leslie Oliver. She said Perlmutter has been a member of the caucus since he was elected. “The New Democrats work with the White House and with Republicans to try and find middle ground on issues so that they can help move the country forward,” she said.
“On the energy front, they will focus on practical solutions that small business people can support. As we move forward with the economic recovery, green energy is a place we can grow, especially in Colorado and in the Seventh District. Because of the National Renewable Energy Lab and all the green energy companies that have sprung from that, we are well-positioned to be players in transforming the energy grid,” she said.
Perlmutter was the chair of the House Financial Services Committee Energy Efficiency Task Force for four years. The National Renewable Energy Lab is in his district.
Oliver said Colorado and Seventh District will benefit from Perlmutter’s chairmanship of the committee because he will be able to draw attention to the work being done here to produce and promote green energy.
Led by Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-7), the New Democrats see themselves as pragmatists rather than ideologues.
“I welcome Congressman Perlmutter to the New Democrat Coalition Leadership as a Co-Chair of the New Dem Energy Task Force and look forward to working together to address our nation’s energy needs,” said Crowley, chair of the New Democrat Coalition. “Transitioning to a clean energy future is an important component of achieving sustainable long-term economic growth, boosting private sector job growth at home and strengthening our national security. Under Congressman Perlmutter’s leadership, the New Dems will play an important role in developing a new, clean energy economy.”
“Green energy is good for the economy. It creates jobs,” said Oliver. “It is good for the environment, obviously, and it is good for national security by reducing our reliance on foreign oil.”
