Political Quotes

“I am pleased to support the nomination of Ms. Shalanda Baker to be the Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact at the Department of Energy. Congress established the Office of Minority Economic Impact within the Department of Energy in 1978. Congress recognized that the energy shortages and rising energy prices we faced at the time would have an overwhelming impact on the quality of life for our socially or economically disadvantaged citizens. The Office of Minority Economic Impact was created to provide a mechanism to ensure that the energy needs of minorities were fairly considered and addressed. Its goals were, first, to understand the impacts of our energy policies and programs on the quality of life in minority communities and, second, to ensure that minority business enterprises are afforded an equal opportunity to participate fully in the energy programs of the Department. The position of Director was created not only to head this office, but also to advise the Secretary of Energy on the effect of the energy policies, regulations, and actions of the Department on minorities and on how to increase minority participation in the Department's programs.…”