WASHINGTON, DC -- Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham today released the following statement regarding the nomination of Sam Bodman as the 11^th Secretary of Energy:

“This morning President Bush nominated Deputy Secretary of Treasury Sam Bodman to be the next Secretary of Energy for his second term. Sam is a good friend and will be a great Secretary of Energy. His broad experience in the private sector and as Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Treasury will serve the Department and him well in this key position. 

“In nominating Deputy Secretary Bodman to be the next Secretary of Energy, President Bush has made a fine choice. Sam is an outstanding public servant. I extend my congratulations to him and his family on this nomination.”

Secretary Abraham is the longest serving Energy Secretary in U.S. history. Under his leadership, the Department of Energy made significant progress in the areas of nuclear nonproliferation, hydrogen fuel cell research and development and the expansion of clean coal technology programs. In addition, under Secretary Abraham’s leadership, the Department of Energy went from “worst to first” of well-run agencies according to the President’s Management Agenda scorecard.

Media contacts:
Jeanne Lopatto, 202/ 586-4940
Mike Waldron, 202/ 586-4940