(WASHINGTON,
D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
praised the announcement by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu that Steve Wright
will stay on in his current role as Administrator of the Bonneville Power
Administration. Wright became acting Administrator in 2000 and was appointed to
the position in 2002.
“I’ve
had the pleasure of working with Steve for years and I am continually impressed
by his strong leadership and commitment to the Pacific Northwest,” said Senator
Patty Murray. “Steve has done an outstanding job leading BPA through
challenging times. And he has presided over a Power Administration that has
become a true leader in integrating renewable energy into the power grid. Steve
fights every day to keep power rates low for Washington state families and
businesses, and I am pleased that he will have the opportunity to continue his
great work for the region.”
“The
Bonneville Power Administration is in good hands with Steve Wright and I
commend Secretary Chu for selecting him to continue on as Administrator,” said Senator
Maria Cantwell. “Steve first took the helm at BPA during the Western
Power Crisis and led the organization through some of the most challenging
times in its history. Clean and affordable electricity is the backbone of
Washington state’s economy, and we will need Steve’s skills and experience as
BPA faces a variety OF new challenges in the coming years, including the
integration OF huge new wind power resources, extending the Columbia River
Treaty, and ensuring adequate water supplies for salmon, agriculture, and
hydropower generation needs.”
See
Steve Wright’s bio here.
From
the DOE announcement today:
DOE
Secretary Steven Chu said: “Steve Wright has proven to be an adept leader of an
agency critical to the well being of the Pacific Northwest that is also
contributing to meeting our national objectives. He is doing important
work in accelerating the accomplishment of energy efficiency and looking for
ways to pair hydro power with expanded renewable energy generation such as wind
power. I am very excited that he has picked up the charge to do that, and
he has my full confidence.”
BPA
Administrator Steve Wright said: “It is a great honor to be asked to stay on in
what has to be one of the best jobs in the entire world, leading a talented
workforce that is absolutely committed to public service. We will
stay focused on the four pillars of our strategic vision: high reliability,
environmental stewardship, low rates and being accountable to the public we are
fortunate to serve.”
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