The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“Nomination Of Shalanda H. Baker (Executive Calendar)” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the in the Senate section section on pages S2809-S2810 on June 7.
The Department oversees energy policies and is involved in how the US handles nuclear programs. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department's misguided energy regulations have caused large losses to consumers for decades.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
Nomination Of Shalanda H. Baker
Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to support the nomination of Ms. Shalanda Baker to be the Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact at the Department of Energy.
Congress established the Office of Minority Economic Impact within the Department of Energy in 1978. Congress recognized that the energy shortages and rising energy prices we faced at the time would have an overwhelming impact on the quality of life for our socially or economically disadvantaged citizens.
The Office of Minority Economic Impact was created to provide a mechanism to ensure that the energy needs of minorities were fairly considered and addressed. Its goals were, first, to understand the impacts of our energy policies and programs on the quality of life in minority communities and, second, to ensure that minority business enterprises are afforded an equal opportunity to participate fully in the energy programs of the Department.
The position of Director was created not only to head this office, but also to advise the Secretary of Energy on the effect of the energy policies, regulations, and actions of the Department on minorities and on how to increase minority participation in the Department's programs. The position does not carry with it the policy making or regulatory or adjudicatory powers of many other senior offices in the Department of Energy, but it plays an important role in ensuring that the needs of minority and disadvantaged communities are justly and fairly addressed and that they are treated fairly.
The Director also helps ensure that the Department complies with our civil rights and equal employment laws and that it maintains a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment.
The Department of Energy's commitment to fairness, equality, and diversity has always been important. But it is especially important today, as we face record high fuel prices, come to grips with the global climate crisis, and transform how we fuel our economy. We must ensure that our energy policies do not leave anyone behind or impose an unfair or disproportionate burden on minority or disadvantaged communities.
I believe Ms. Baker is very well qualified for this position. She has spent the past decade studying the impact of the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy resources on disadvantaged communities. And she has spent the past 17 months serving as the Deputy Director for Energy Justice and as Secretary Granholm's Advisor on Equity.
I strongly support her nomination, and I urge a favorable vote on her nomination.
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