The House Democratic Caucus elected Congressman Paul Tonko to the Committee on Natural Resources in the House of Representatives today.  Tonko will be the only New Yorker and one of only 21 Democrats to serve on the committee that handles renewable energy, climate change, water issues, and public lands.

“I am honored for this vote of confidence from my colleagues and I am eager to begin the work of bringing science and common sense back into the debate on energy and environmental policy in the House,” said Congressman Tonko. “New York has been a tremendous leader in advancing sound energy policy and I look forward to bringing our unique voice and experience to the table.”

Educated as an engineer, Congressman Tonko brings a wealth of policy expertise to the committee. Tonko previously served as Chairman and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and spent 16 years as Chair of the Energy Committee in the New York State Assembly, before running for Congress to focus on a national energy policy.  

Congressman Tonko added, “This new assignment brings with it heavy challenges. Gas prices are heading toward record highs and our economy is in the midst of a steady but delicate recovery. Our addiction to foreign oil must be stopped and replaced with American-made, renewable energy that supports jobs and families right here at home.”

Congressman Tonko’s seat on Natural Resources will allow him the opportunity to bring his focus on waterfront development in the Capital Region to the Committee.

“The waters of the 21^st Congressional District are the ink that wrote our nation’s history,” said Congressman Tonko. “Over the last three years, I have been working in a collaborative fashion to reconnect our residents and businesses to the waterfront and use this great natural resource as an engine of economic development. The Hudson and Mohawk Rivers are home to a necklace of mill town communities that once were the heartbeat of American manufacturing. I will continue my fight for the attention that this area deserves as a member of the Natural Resources Committee.”