The Alliance to Save Energy released the following statement from President Kateri Callahan on Gov. Rick Perry’s confirmation hearing for U.S. Secretary of Energy before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee:

"We were pleased to hear Gov. Perry voice support for the department’s role in advancing new technologies, and specifically for energy efficiency when he pledged to help Sen. Portman and others on the committee pass the bipartisan Portman-Shaheen legislation that nearly crossed the finish line last year as part of comprehensive energy legislation.

Gov. Perry said it right – the Energy Department does some of the most important R&D anywhere in the world, and this includes their pioneering work on energy efficiency. The department is driving innovation that is helping to grow the U.S. economy by making us more efficient, productive and competitive. It is a small investment that delivers direct benefits to consumers and businesses, not the least of which is significantly lower utility bills."

About the Alliance to Save Energy

Founded in 1977, the Alliance to Save Energy is the leading energy efficiency coalition in the nation – a nonprofit, bipartisan alliance of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders advocating for enhanced energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy. Our mission is to promote energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and energy security.