Hearing of the Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee - Opening Statement of Sen. Bob Corker, Hearing on Nominations for the Tennessee Valley Authority

Hearing

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) today introduced Jeffrey Smith at a Senate Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee hearing on his nomination to serve on the nine-member board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and called on his colleagues to swiftly confirm nominees for the four current vacancies on the board. A transcript of the senator's remarks at the hearing follows.

"I am pleased to be here with you today to introduce Jeff Smith, who has been nominated to serve on the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority.

"I would like to extend a warm welcome to Jeff and his family. I also want to welcome the other three board [nominees] today -- Kenny Allen, A.D. Frazier, and Skip Thompson -- as well as their families.

"I'd like to also thank the committee for holding this hearing. With over 9 million customers, TVA is the largest public power utility in the nation, and it is critical for the region that it remains a low-cost, reliable producer of electricity, not only for ratepayers but also for our state's business recruitment efforts.

"It is important that TVA has a full and well-qualified board, and without confirmation of these nominees, the board will lose a quorum at the end of the year.

"As deputy director of operations for one of the most prestigious research labs in the country, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Jeff Smith understands the importance of continuing TVA's mission.

"In this position, he gained extensive experience working with TVA as he coordinated with the utility to construct three new substations as part of efforts to modernize the grid at Oak Ridge.

"Jeff also has overseen cutting-edge research in the energy sector, and that knowledge and background will be of great value as our electrical power sector undergoes important changes to support the demands of the growing Tennessee Valley.

"In addition to a distinguished career, Jeff has demonstrated a true commitment to East Tennessee through his involvement with multiple community organizations that work to improve the standard of living in the region.

"I am confident that Jeff understands the needs of the Tennessee Valley and believe he will bring valuable experience to the TVA board.

"I wholeheartedly support Jeff's nomination -- and the other nominees here today -- and believe their diverse backgrounds give them the necessary qualifications to support TVA's important mission.

"I appreciate you guys letting me be here today. Thanks for holding this committee hearing, and I hope we will swiftly confirm these nominees.

"Thank you."

Source