For Immediate Release                                                            Contact: Kristen Hawn (202) 226-9782
February 25, 2009                                        

Blue Dogs Announce Energy Task Force for the 111th Congress

Washington, DC - Today, members of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition announced the organization of the Blue Dog Energy Task Force for the 111th Congress.  Leading the group’s efforts will be Rep. Jim Matheson (Chairman) and Rep. John Barrow (Vice-Chairman), both of whom serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and have long been active on issues related to energy production and climate change. 

“My goal is that this task force will propose energy policy that emphasizes the importance of increased domestic production,” said Rep. Jim Matheson, Blue Dog Energy Task Force Chairman.  “It will encourage the participation of all stakeholders to achieve that outcome.  Something as complicated as the climate change challenge requires a balanced and comprehensive plan.  We have to get this right and the energy task force looks forward to developing policy statements that encourage the debate to move in a balanced direction.”

The Blue Dog Energy Task Force will operate within the larger Coalition to drive viable, comprehensive policy solutions and alternatives aimed at promoting national and economic security, with the understanding that America’s continued prosperity depends on the availability of reliable, affordable sources of energy.

“As President Obama said last night, renewable, clean energy is going to drive our economic recovery,” said Rep. John Barrow, Blue Dog Energy Task Force Vice-Chairman.  “We’re going to work hard to make sure that we act quickly, and act smart to break our dependence on foreign oil and come up with solutions that have a lasting impact on our financial security.”

The full Blue Dog Energy Task Force membership will include: Rep. Jim Matheson, Chairman, Rep. John Barrow, Vice Chairman, Rep. Joe Baca, Rep. Sanford Bishop, Rep. Dan Boren, Rep. Leonard Boswell, Rep. Chris Carney, Rep. Jim Costa, Rep. Lincoln Davis, Rep. Brad Ellsworth, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Rep. Bart Gordon, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Rep. Tim Holden, Rep. Charlie Melancon, Rep. Harry Mitchell, Rep. Collin Peterson, Rep. John Salazar, Rep. David Scott and Rep. John Tanner.

The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public.  The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States.  Currently there are 51 members of the Blue Dog Coalition.  For more information, visit the Blue Dog Website at http://www.house.gov/ross/BlueDogs/.