Heinrich Votes To Confirm Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement after voting to confirm President Joe Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Energy and former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. She was confirmed in the Senate by a vote of 64 to 35.

“I can’t wait to work with an Energy Secretary who is committed to the energy jobs of the future. Secretary Granholm understands that if are going to meet the climate crisis head on and put millions of Americans back to work, we urgently need to focus on developing and deploying carbon-free energy technologies, electrifying our economy, and restoring America’s status as a global leader in innovation, with science leading the way.

“I am also confident that Secretary Granholm will support the groundbreaking research and development at our national labs. Our national labs employ some of the brightest minds in the country, keep our nation safe, and develop innovative solutions for the biggest problems we face. We have great opportunities to strengthen the partnerships between our national labs, universities, and private industry to spur technical innovation and boost job creation.

“During our meeting and in her confirmation hearing, Secretary Granholm committed to work with me to develop a place-based energy transition plan that ensures that New Mexicans who have worked in fossil fuel industries are not left behind by the structural changes in the energy sector. I will hold her and the entire Biden administration accountable for following through on their promises to substantially invest in traditional energy communities and implement a just and thoughtful transition.”