Energy Secretary   Bill Richardson

United Nations Ambassador and former New Mexico Congressman Bill Richardson has been confirmed as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. Ambassador Richardson will replace retiring Secretary Federico Peņa. While a member of Congress, Richardson advocated the benefits of ethanol and served on the Alcohol Fuels Caucus and co-chaired the House Renewable Energy Caucus. As a member of the House Commerce Committee, Richardson was one of the authors of the federal oxygenated fuels program.

"I look forward to taking on the significant responsibilities and challenges of leading the Department protecting our national security, advancing the frontiers of science and technology, helping to solve the challenge of global climate change, cleaning up waste sites throughout the country, working to bring down the cost of electricity to the American people, and ensuring a balanced energy portfolio for our nation," said Richardson.