04.10.13

Hoeven Presses DOE Nominee Moniz to Support States-First Approach to Hydraulic Fracturing

Energy Dept. Needs Practical All-of-the-Above Energy Approach

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven yesterday pressed Ernest Moniz, President Barack Obama’s nominee to be Secretary of Energy, to support a states-first approach to hydraulic fracturing should he be confirmed by the Senate. Hoeven called on Moniz, if confirmed, to promote a practical, all-of-the-above energy strategy at the Department of Energy that empowers energy investments and find ways to partner traditional and renewable energy resources.

“We need a practical, all-of-the-above approach to energy development in this country,” said Hoeven. “We can become energy secure, but we will need Dr. Moniz, should he be confirmed, to work with us to promote all of our resources in tandem. We need a states-first approach to hydraulic fracturing. We need to empower investments in energy technologies to develop resources with greater environmental stewardship.”

Hoeven pressed Dr. Moniz on his views regarding hydraulic fracturing and sought an assurance that, if confirmed, he would support a states-first approach to hydraulic fracturing. Hoeven said that a one-size-fits-all approach to hydraulic fracturing doesn’t work and states know their land and their resources best.

Hoeven also challenged Moniz to find ways for the Department of Energy to promote energy research and development like the work being done at the Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota.

Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy Committee, questioned Dr. Moniz at the committee’s confirmation hearing. On March 7, the President nominated Moniz, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to be Secretary of Energy. He awaits approval by the Senate Energy Committee, and then the full Senate, before being confirmed to the position.