For Immediate Release

For More Information
Craig Schattner 202-530-4346; cschattner@ase.org
Ronnie Kweller 202-530-2203; rkweller@ase.org

Washington, D.C. – The Alliance to Save Energy’s Board of Directors has elected Rep. Michael E. Burgess (R-Texas) unanimously as its 15th honorary congressional vice-chair, joining five other members of the U.S. House of Representatives and nine U.S. senators who currently serve in this capacity.

“The addition of Rep. Burgess as the newest honorary member of our Board brings yet another enthusiastic, long-standing champion of energy efficiency into our leadership ranks,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan.

“With his seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its key Energy and Environment Subcommittee, Rep. Burgess brings knowledge and insight that will strengthen our Board while continuing our 33-year tradition of bipartisan representation from Congress,” Callahan added.

“I’ve long been a believer in energy efficiency and conservation,” said Rep. Burgess. “There are so many ways Americans can do their part to use less energy, and therefore waste less energy. It can be as easy as making sure that car tires are properly inflated, installing energy-efficient appliances at home and at work or buying ENERGY STAR products.

“Energy efficiency is also an area where folks with different views in the energy debate can agree. Whether you view energy as an environmental issue, a national security issue or a natural resources issue – we can all agree that wasting energy is not the answer. As a policymaker, I believe we should start by working together on the places where we agree. That is why the work we do at the Alliance is so important. I’m honored to be a part of this organization and all they do to promote saving energy.”

“Rep. Burgess practices what he preaches,” Callahan continued. “He has made numerous energy efficiency upgrades to his own home and he drives a hybrid electric vehicle. Importantly, he is helping to educate his constituents on the benefits of energy efficiency through an annual Energy Efficiency Summit and Fair that he hosts in his district and by providing tips and information on his website about how to use energy efficiency to save money and help protect the environment.”

“A hearty welcome to Congressman Burgess,” said Whirlpool Inc. Executive Vice President of Global Product Organization Dave Szczupak, co-chair of the Alliance’s nominating committee. He continued, “I am delighted that the congressman has agreed to serve on the Alliance to Save Energy’s Board. His experience on the House Energy and Commerce Committee will be an invaluable asset to the organization. I look forward to working on energy efficiency issues we can jointly pursue, as well as promote, in the United States.”

“As a long-serving member of the Alliance to Save Energy’s Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Rep. Michael Burgess as a fellow Board member,” said Edison Electric Institute President Thomas R. Kuhn. “And as one of the co-chairs of the Board’s nominating committee, I take great pride in having helped recruit yet another stalwart supporter of energy efficiency to the Alliance’s leadership. I look forward to working with Rep. Burgess in the months ahead as we all strive to advance energy efficiency throughout the United States.”