[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 32 (Monday, August 10, 1998)]
[Page 1553]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Senate Confirmation of Bill Richardson To Be Secretary of 
Energy

July 31, 1998

    I am very pleased that the Senate today voted unanimously to confirm 
Ambassador Bill Richardson as Secretary of Energy.
    Ambassador Richardson brings extraordinary experience and expertise 
to this vital post. As a Member of the U.S. Congress representing New 
Mexico, an energy-rich State that is home to two Department of Energy 
national laboratories, he has extensive firsthand experience on issues 
ranging from oil and gas deregulation, to alternative energy, to 
ensuring strong environmental standards in energy development. As U.S. 
Ambassador to the United Nations, he has been a vigorous and articulate 
proponent of U.S. engagement and has successfully tackled tough 
negotiating challenges around the world.
    I am confident that Ambassador Richardson's tremendous energy, 
creativity, and leadership will help secure our Nation's energy future 
so that America continues to prosper.

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