WASHINGTON, DC - Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham announced today the appointment of William F. Martin to lead the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee (NERAC), an independent panel that provides advice on the direction of the department's nuclear program. Mr. Martin, a leading U.S. energy economist, is the founder and Chairman of Washington Policy and Analysis. He served as Deputy Secretary of Energy and Executive Secretary of the National Security Council under President Reagan.

"Bill Martin is uniquely qualified to lead NERAC, and provide sound advice to the department's nuclear program as it proceeds with the vision for nuclear energy outlined in the National Energy Policy," Secretary Abraham said.

Bill Martin succeeds Dr. James Duderstadt, former President of the University of Michigan who served as the panel's first chairman.

Since 1998 when it was formed, NERAC has met about three times each year to review the department's nuclear energy program and provide advice and recommendations on long-range plans, priorities, and strategies of DOE's nuclear energy program. The committee also provides advice on national policy and scientific aspects of nuclear energy research issues. NERAC is currently represented by 27 highly qualified representatives of academia, the federal and state governments, national laboratories, an environmental advocacy organization, and the private sector. The Secretary has assembled a diverse panel, with a balance of views, experiences, interests, disciplines and geography that also includes six new members.

The NERAC is meeting today and tomorrow at the Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport Hotel, Crystal City, Virginia. The meeting will include a series of briefings and discussions on the nuclear energy program's status, the fiscal year 2004 budget, the role of nuclear power in the President's Climate Change initiative, and other topics. The committee will also consider several subcommittee and task force reports. The meeting will also include an opportunity for public comment.

NERAC operates in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), applicable FACA Amendments and Executive Orders.

A complete list of the NERAC membership and the agenda for the upcoming meeting is attached. Additional information on the NERAC, including its charter, may be found on the nuclear energy web site, www.nuclear.gov.

NERAC membership (PDF format)..

Media Contact(s):
Hope Williams, 202/586-5806

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