ATLANTA – State Representative Chuck Sims (R-Augusta) was recently appointed to serve on the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Energy, Transportation and Agriculture Committee by House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge).
“I thank Speaker Ralston for this appointment,” said Rep. Sims. “I really think that rural Georgia’s energy, transportation and agriculture needs are paramount for a growing economy. The rural areas of Georgia are productive and growing. I appreciate this opportunity to serve Georgia and the House of Representatives in this role.”
The Energy, Transportation and Agriculture Committee is one of NCSL’s 12 standing committees. These standing committees serve an important role in representing state interests in Washington, D.C. and in the facilitating policy innovation among the state and territorial legislatures. The committees also provide a unique forum for the discussion of major issues facing the states, which allows legislators to learn from the experiences of other states.
According to NCSL, its Energy, Transportation and Agriculture Committee consists of state legislators and legislative staff from the nation’s legislatures. The committee convenes three times a year in conjunction with NCSL’s national meeting. This committee has jurisdiction over state-federal energy and electric utilities legislation, regulation and policies; transportation legislation, regulations and policies; and agriculture and rural development legislation, regulations and policies.
The Energy, Transportation and Agriculture Committee is charged with reviewing and developing NCSL policy positions on state-federal concerns regarding these issues. These policy positions are then used to lobby Congress and the federal administration. The committee also provides a forum for legislators and staff to share ideas and expertise on an array of energy, transportation, and agriculture issues. In addition, the committee facilitates topically appropriate educational opportunities for members and colleagues, and provides input to NCSL on policy research projects.
The appointment is for a two-year term concurrent with Rep. Sims’ service as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves legislators and staffs from the nation’s 50 states. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. It also advocates for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
For more information about NCSL and its Energy, Transportation and Agriculture Committee, please click here.
Representative Chuck Sims represents the citizens of District 169, which includes Bacon County and portions of Coffee and Jeff Davis counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1996, currently serves as the Chairman on the Intragovernmental Coordination Committee. He also serves on the Higher Education, State Planning & Community Affairs, and Ways & Means committees.
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