Congressman Mike Simpson today announced his appointment to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. This subcommittee has direct jurisdiction over many of Idaho’s interests, including the Idaho National Laboratory, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration. 

Simpson is currently serving his fourth term as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. In addition to his appointment to the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, he is also serving as the Ranking Member for the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment. 

“I am honored and grateful to receive appointments that are important to our state and nation,” said Simpson.  “These subcommittees oversee issues that are critical to Idaho, including the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho’s colleges and universities, and communities up and down the State. I look forward to using my seat on both of these subcommittees to ensure Idaho’s unique role in energy, water, and public land issues is advanced in way that is good for both our state and nation.”

Over the last four years, Simpson has used his seat on the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee to help grow programs at INL, expand course offerings at Idaho’s colleges and universities, improve drinking and waste water facilities in numerous Idaho communities,  and address the environmental challenges left over from our nation’s development of nuclear weapons. In addition, Simpson has used his role on the Subcommittee to become one of the leading advocates in Congress for expanding our nation’s use of existing nuclear energy technologies and developing a  new generation of nuclear reactors for the future.

Simpson said he will use his continuing role on the Subcommittee to further the work he has already started. “Over the past few years, we have put down a strong foundation for the future of nuclear energy and I intend to use my seat on this subcommittee to push forward with new reactors and new technologies that will help us meet the energy challenges we face,” said Simpson. “Nuclear energy offers us the best near-term energy technology for growing our economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

“I look forward to representing Idaho’s interests while being a diligent guardian of the taxpayer as we consider all appropriations bills to fund the federal government,” concluded Simpson.

Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Jurisdiction Summary:

· Department of Energy

· Corp of Engineers

· Bureau of Reclamation

· Nuclear Regulatory Commission