Office of Speaker Neufeld: SPEAKER REAPPOINTS REPS. HOLMES AND SLOAN TO KANSAS ENERGY COUNCIL

FROM THE OFFICE OF SPEAKER NEUFELD

July 10, 2008

For more information, contact:
Sherriene Jones-Sontag
Office of Speaker Melvin Neufeld
Director of Communications & Caucus Information
785/296-2302

Rep. Tom Sloan
785/841-1526

Rep. Carl Holmes
620/624-7361


TOPEKA – Kansas Speaker of the House of Representatives Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) announced today he has reappointed Representatives Carl Holmes (R-Liberal) and Tom Sloan (R-Lawrence) to the Kansas Energy Council.

“Representatives Holmes and Sloan understand our state’s energy needs and challenges better than anyone else in the Statehouse. They are dedicated to crafting the best energy policy possible that will not only keep our energy affordable but also respect our state’s environment. They will continue to make sure that Kansans’ needs remain the focus of the Council,” Speaker Neufeld said.

Rep. Sloan worked with two other legislators to convince Governor Bill Graves to create the Council in 2002.

"I am pleased to be reappointed to the Kansas Energy Council," said Rep. Sloan. "I believe that it is one of the most important energy policy discussion and development groups in our state and I take a personal interest in its vitality and success."

Speaker Neufeld noted Rep. Sloan is nationally-recognized for his expertise and leadership in environmental issues.

"Our state is very fortunate to have a representative of Tom's caliber committed to this very important issue. His involvement in U.S. Dept. of Energy, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, National Wind Coordinating Collaborative, and Council of State Governments energy committees enables him to bring a large amount of information to help Kansans develop the most appropriate energy policies for our state," Speaker Neufeld said.

Both Reps. Sloan and Holmes serve on the Council’s Electricity Committee.

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve on the Kansas Energy Council,” said Rep. Holmes. “I have a major concern about the availability and affordability of energy for Kansas consumers and because of that; I believe this work is critical.”

“Rep. Carl Holmes is involved in many national energy policy discussions including as Chairman of the Advisory Council on Energy for National Conference of State Legislators, as a member of National Council on Electricity Policy, and as a Steering Committee member of The (National) Energy Council and has participated on numerous discussion and development panels for national energy policy,” Speaker Neufeld said. “His unique understanding of where our country is headed as well as his in-depth knowledge of energy and the challenges our state faces in meeting its energy needs and making sure Kansans can afford to keep their lights on will serve the Council well,” Neufeld said.

The Kansas Energy Council’s next meeting is August 13, 2008 in Topeka.