[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 120 (Monday, July 25, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1167-E1168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MR. ROBERT L. HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 25, 2016

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life 
and work of Robert L. Harris, on the occasion of his induction into the 
California Association of Black Lawyers' Hall of Fame. Mr. Harris's 
contribution to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and to the body of law 
is testament to his service and dedication.
  A proud Oakland native, Mr. Harris graduated from Merritt College in 
1963, and later pursued his law degree from the Boalt School of Law at 
the University of California, Berkeley. Mr. Harris was admitted to the 
California State Bar on December 13, 1973, and completed numerous 
education advancement programs throughout the remainder of his career, 
including the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard School of 
Business, and the Management Development Program at Duke University's 
School of Business.
  Mr. Harris began his career with PG&E in 1989, managing one of the 
major operating divisions in the East Bay Region. As the first lawyer 
appointed to such a position, Mr. Harris proved his excellent 
leadership and refined acumen for business as he faced the aftermath of 
the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989. Shortly afterwards, the Oakland 
Hills Firestorm tested PG&E's ability to react, and under Mr. Harris's 
leadership, they were able to restore service in record time to Bay 
Area homes, earning PG&E numerous accolades for their impeccable work.
  Within law, Mr. Harris has distinguished himself amongst his peers. 
He served in numerous leadership positions within influential 
organizations such as the American Association of Blacks in Energy, the 
U.S. EPA's National Advisory Council on Environmental Justice, the 
National Energy Policy Commission, and the California League of 
Conservation Voters. He has timelessly shown his dedication to 
furthering societal advancement and improving the lives of the Bay Area 
residents.
  In addition to his contributions to law, Mr. Harris has served the 
public interest over the length of his career. The NAACP honored Mr. 
Harris with the William Robert Ming Award, the highest legal honor they 
bestow, for his dedication to issues that plague the African-American 
community. He currently chairs the United Negro College Fund's Bay Area 
Advisor Board, helping to provide scholarship and financial assistance 
to African-American students in need, and has earned the Fredrick D. 
Patterson Award for his commitment to the mission of this organization.
  Mr. Harris's retirement from PG&E in 2007 left behind an outstanding 
company that serves the interests of the Bay Area, providing our 
constituents with access to affordable and reliable energy services. 
PG&E has prospered under the legacy of leadership that Mr. Harris 
instilled, and these contributions to our community do not go 
unnoticed.
  On a personal note, on behalf of the residents of California's 13th 
Congressional District, Robert L. Harris, I salute you. I thank you for 
your service to your nation and your community, and echo the praise you 
receive from the California Black Lawyers' Association through your 
esteemed induction into the Hall of Fame.

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