Tennessee House Republican Caucus

Rep. Rick Womick Named Chairman of the Technology Subcommittee on the Energy Task Force

06-Jul-2011
(July 06, 2011, NASHVILLE) – Following the first meeting of the Republican Caucus Energy Task Force, it was announced that Representative Rick Womick (R—Rockvale) has been tapped to serve as the Chairman of the Technology Subcommittee of the Task Force.

Womick, a first-year legislator who has been a vocal advocate on energy issues, will guide the subcommittee and present initiatives for how to best utilize Tennessee’s energy resources in a responsible way.

The Energy Task Force has five major goals: explore ways to reduce Tennessee and U.S. reliance on foreign oil, advance the recent discovery of clean coal technology in Tennessee, seek out new and high paying jobs for Tennesseans in the industry, help foster opportunity for an enormous economic impact upon the State of Tennessee as it creates its own energy, and demonstrate the positive environmental impact that clean coal technology will have on our communities, our State and our country. Ultimately, the Task Force will bring forth a package of proposals to be considered by the Republican Majority of the House of Representatives.

“America currently spends over $765 billion dollars on overseas oil. Today’s clean coal technology now has the potential to bring back over $165 billion dollars to the U.S., and in particular, Tennessee," said Rep. Womick.

"Our Majority has a clear goal to pave the way for job creation in Tennessee,” he continued. “An area that remains largely untapped is the energy sector. I believe there are numerous potential areas for partnership opportunities and for reducing many burdensome regulations that could help private businesses grow. I am confident this task force will play an integral role in unlocking economic development in Tennessee’s energy sector.”

The Republican Caucus Energy Task Force was created by House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick (R—Chattanooga) in May. The members of the Task Force represent a wide array of economic interests and energy development opportunities throughout the State that include refineries, coal sites, industrial parks, and access to major interstates for shipping.