Rethinking PERC and NORA

PERC and NORA   “Thank you all for coming today to discuss the Propane Education and Research Council, known as ‘PERC,’ and the National Oilheat Research Alliance, known as ‘NORA.’  These check-off programs for propane and oilheat have been in existence for more than a decade.  NORA’s authorizing legislation has now lapsed, making it a […]

Senate Passes Legislation Naming Mountain and Ice Field in Honor of Stevens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                     CONTACT: ROBERT DILLON (202) 224-6977 SEPTEMBER 28, 2010                                                   MEGAN HERMANN (202) 224-7875   Senate Passes Legislation Naming Mountain and Ice Field in Honor of Stevens   WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today welcomed the passage of legislation honoring the late Sen. Ted Stevens by naming a […]

Murkowski Applauds Kensington Mine Opening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          CONTACT: ROBERT DILLON (202) 224-6977 SEPTEMBER 27, 2010                                                        MEGAN HERMANN (202) 224-7875                        Sen. Murkowski Applauds Kensington Mine Opening   WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today applauded the official opening of the Kensington gold mine, saying the project will provide a much needed boost […]

Murkowski Blasts Federal Wilderness Proposals in ANWR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              CONTACT: ROBERT DILLON (202) 224-6977 SEPTEMBER 27, 2010                                            MEGAN HERMANN (202) 224-7875                                        Sen. Murkowski Blasts Federal Wilderness Proposals in ANWR   WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today warned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) against trampling the “no more” promise made to Alaska […]

The Week Ahead (Sept. 27-Oct. 1)

On Wednesday, Sept. 29, the Subcommittee on Energy will delve into the management and operations of the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) and National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA).  Congress created these organizations in the 1990s and to develop programs that provide research and development, enhance consumer and employee safety and training and provide consumer […]

DOE Loan Guarantees

Opening Statement – Sept. 23, 2010   Department of Energy Loan Guarantee Program     “Thank you all for coming here today to give us your thoughts on the Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee Program.  This is a topic of great concern to members of this Committee. It is also a very complex and technical […]

Making the Promise of Renewables Come True

Making the Promise of Renewables Come True   Bingaman, Brownback To Introduce Renewable Electricity Standard Bill     A strong renewable electricity standard (RES) is an essential component of any forward-looking energy policy.  Not just an important part of such a strategy, but an essential component.  A national RES also will increase our energy security, […]

The Week Ahead (Sept. 20-24)

Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources Week of Sept. 20-24   On Thursday, Sept. 23, the full committee will examine the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee Program and its effectiveness in spurring the near-term deployment of clean energy technology.  Witnesses will include Jonathan Silver, executive director,  Loan Program Office, U.S. Department of Energy; […]

Committee Reports 17 More Bills

Today’s Business Meeting Committee Reports 17 More Bills   In a brief mark-up today, Senate Energy Committee reported 17 new bills, six of them dealing with energy and 11 with public lands.  Some of these bills were modified with amendments (attached), either today or two weeks ago.  Please refer to the Shortlist to track changes.  […]

GAO Audit Fuels Chairman’s Concerns

Congress created the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) and the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) to develop programs and projects that provide research and development, enhance consumer and employee safety and training and provide consumer education about propane and heating oil.  Since the establishment of PERC and NORA, these organizations have collected millions of […]