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Presses nominee on energy research, carbon capture technology, Nuclear Fuel Working Group and cybersecurity at the Dept. of Energy.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned Dan Brouillette, President Trump’s nominee to be the next secretary of Energy. Barrasso pressed Brouillette on energy research, carbon capture technology, the Nuclear Fuel Working Group and cybersecurity efforts at the Department of Energy.

Brouillette, who serves as the deputy secretary of Energy, testified at today’s Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing.

On Energy Research Efforts:

“I had the opportunity to meet with the nominee last week, and I was very impressed with his knowledge, his experience, and his commitment to advancing American energy and technology. I think he would make a superb Secretary of Energy.

“The Department of Energy has done a great job, I believe, investing in research to advance domestic energy.

“What starts here in the U.S. can change the world. We are developing energy technologies here at home, and then pushing to get these technologies to the deployment stage. Countries around the world are doing the same.

“If confirmed, how will you coordinate research efforts to ensure the Department’s efforts aren’t duplicative or redundant with what other people are doing?

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Mr. Brouillette on energy research efforts.

On Deploying Carbon Capture Technology Worldwide:

“There is great work being done at the University of Wyoming, our School of Energy Resources, the Integrated Test Center. I’m fully on board.

“When we look at worldwide, we need to get these technologies that are developed, then deployed.

“So I look at China and India, they’re going to continue to grow their economies, they’re going to continue to release carbon dioxide as they build out industrial and transportation sectors.

“The United States, despite of what some may believe, the United States can’t tackle climate change alone. We need to work with other countries to find real solutions that manage carbon dioxide without killing our economy or killing jobs.

“Once we find that commercial carbon capture solution, how can we deploy the technology to these other countries that do have growing economies, like China and India, who tend to be the ones who are the greatest emitters worldwide?

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Mr. Brouillette on deploying carbon capture technology.

On the Nuclear Fuel Working Group:

“President Trump has established the Nuclear Fuel Working Group to make recommendations to enable American uranium production to continue.

“I encourage the working group to swiftly make its recommendations to the president and provide immediate relief for American uranium producers.

“Do you support actions to preserve and strengthen our own American uranium production?

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Mr. Brouillette on the Nuclear Fuel Working Group.

On Cybersecurity at Dept. of Energy:

“The Department of Energy does have an Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response. It addresses energy-related emergencies and disruptions.

“An energy disruption, as we all know, could devastate rural communities throughout the country, and urban areas.

“Specifically for rural communities, if confirmed, how will you work to ensure that our rural communities are prepared for cyberattacks and have the resiliency and robustness that’s necessary to protect ourselves?”

Click here for video of Sen. Barrasso questioning Mr. Brouillette on cybersecurity efforts at the Dept. of Energy.

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