[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      RECOGNIZING DR. WALTER COPAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BRITTANY PETTERSEN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2026

  Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Dr. Walter C. Copan 
for his years of service to our state and country and to congratulate 
him on his retirement.
  Dr. Copan began his distinguished career in the mid-1970s, spending 
nearly three decades in private-sector research and technology 
leadership. From 2003 to 2005, he advanced America's energy innovation 
efforts at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he served in 
key technology transfer and commercialization roles. In 2017, he was 
unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as Under Secretary of 
Commerce and Director of the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology, where he worked tirelessly to strengthen America's 
innovation and technology transfer policies.
  In 2021, he joined the Colorado School of Mines as Vice President for 
Research and Technology Transfer, helping the university grow as a 
leading public research institution. Known for his warmth and 
generosity, Dr. Copan has often reminded colleagues that ``it's a great 
day to be an Oredigger.''
  Though he is retiring from his formal role at Mines, Dr. Copan will 
continue his longstanding commitment to public service and scientific 
advancement through his leadership with a number of national medical 
and scientific research organizations.
  On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it 
is my honor to congratulate Dr. Walter G. Copan on his retirement and 
thank him for his service to our country and our community.

                          ____________________