ATLANTA – State Representative Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) was recently appointed as a co-chair of the Council of State Governments’ (CSG) Energy and Environmental Public Policy Committee for the 2013-2014 biennium. The committee is designed to encourage multi-state problem solving and sharing of best practices, and to facilitate networking among state officials in all three branches of government and between the public and private sectors.
“I believe North America’s economic future is directly dependent on the availability of low cost sustainable energy,” said Rep. Martin. “I look forward to serving as co-chair of the Energy and Environmental Public Policy Committee during this time of opportunity.”
CSG’s Energy and Environmental Public Policy Committee provides a forum for state leaders to address emerging challenges and issues arising from dynamic energy and environmental policy conditions and changes in the states. Members of the committee focus on emerging trends, innovative and effective solutions, and viable policy positions and response projects.
“The provision of energy across North America requires more than a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mentality and exploring all available options in both generation and distribution to provide energy security to our citizens is imperative,” Martin said. “Allowing market forces to drive fueling solutions for electrical generation and transportation will make us more competitive in the world energy market and lead to energy independence. Additionally, I would like the committee to take a multi-point approach to evaluating the impact of EPA and state regulations on our businesses and citizens to assure that they are scientifically based and cost justified.”
CSG’s national leaders in concert with the committee’s membership establish committee priorities.
“Energy development, demand and electricity markets and power delivery are undergoing a rarely seen systemic change in the U.S.,” said Brydon Ross, CSG’s director of energy and environmental policy. “The upcoming biennium for the Energy and Environmental Public Policy Committee will be quite busy in helping states address a host of topics, including some specific policy issues surrounding grid modernization and reliability, additional EPA Clean Air regulations, power generation trends and emerging implications of additional compliance under the Clean Water Act.”
CSG will offer additional educational and experiential opportunities through its webinar and policy academies, as well as a review and update of the State Official’s Guide to Sound Science.
The Council of State Governments is our nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.
For more information about CSG and its Energy and Environment Committee, please click here.
Representative Chuck Martin represents the citizens of District 49, which includes portion of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, and is currently the Chairman of Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications, Regulated Industries, Science and Technology, and Ways & Means Committees.
###