SHAHEEN TO CHAIR SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER AND POWER

(Washington, D.C.) - The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources announced today that U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) will chair its Subcommittee on Water and Power.  The subcommittee's jurisdiction includes oversight and legislative responsibilities for such issues as hydroelectric power, groundwater resources and management, and energy related aspects of deepwater ports.  This is the second subcommittee chair Shaheen has taken up since being elected in 2008, as she also serves as Chairwoman for the Subcommittee on European Affairs for the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

"I look forward to taking a leadership role on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and using my oversight authority to ensure American taxpayers' money is being spent wisely on water-related projects and agencies at the federal level," said Shaheen.  "Increasing America's energy independence has long been a priority for me, and I also look forward to exploring the potential for responsible expansion of hydropower as a renewable energy source."

Shaheen also serves on the Senate Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.