Senate panel approves new deputy energy secretary

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Thursday easily approved Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall’s nomination to be second in command at the Energy Department.

The panel reported the nomination to the full Senate for its consideration by voice vote with little fanfare.

{mosads}Sherwood-Randall is currently a top adviser to President Obama on defense, including arms control and nuclear non-proliferation.

She had an easy confirmation hearing in July at which she highlighted her experience with nuclear weapons, which would complement Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz’s expertise with energy research and academia.

“Given world events, this impressive resume and impressive woman, I think, would serve us well in the position she’s been nominated for,” Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), chairwoman of the Energy Committee, said before the vote. “I am personally very impressed with her extensive experience and knowledge.”

Landrieu and Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.), who was the top Republican at the meeting, both were optimistic about Sherwood-Randall’s commitment to liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. At her hearing, she said she would prioritize the timely approval of applications to export LNG.

“I believe the Department of Energy can use someone with her experience and her knowledge of Ukraine, Russia and Eastern Europe,” Barrasso said.

“If confirmed, Dr. Sherwood-Randall should use her knowledge of eastern Europe and Russia and work with the White House to expedite LNG exports. She should work to ensure the administration doesn’t turn LNG exports into the next Keystone,” he continued.

Barrasso also took the opportunity to criticize the Obama administration for only approving three LNG export facilities when another 30 are waiting, calling the handling of the applications “nothing short of malpractice.”

Sherwood-Randall would replace Dan Poneman, who resigned earlier this year after about five years in the job.