WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. Representative Nick Begich (R-AK) was unanimously elected in January to serve as Executive Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus. He joins us on today’s Champions of Rural America to discuss what makes the Western Caucus unique and his priorities in his new role.
In his conversation with RFD NEWS, Begich discussed the important functions of the Congressional Western Caucus, pointing to the shared interests and challenges across Western states. He said he looks forward to hearing from constituents and stakeholders about how best to advocate for the region’s needs.
An Anchorage native, Begich says he is eager to help advance the priorities of Western states during the 119th Congress in his new leadership role.
Begich also emphasized the emerging opportunities in the broader economy, particularly in energy. He noted the significant role Western states play in providing key energy resources, including hydro and geothermal power, which he says are critical to supporting the nation’s future growth and development.
“As a new Executive Vice Chair, I’m so excited to work on a lot of the opportunities that we’ve been seeing emerge in the broader economy,” Rep. Begich said. “You know, you talk about energy and the energy promise of the Western states — that means hydro, that means geothermal. It means all these things. And the Western states play an incredible role in providing those base resources and energy that are necessary for the American resurgence that we have been talking so much about and working so hard to produce.”
API said it stands ready to work with Congress to develop a balanced approach to E15 legislation that promotes fuel choice, supports investment certainty, and contributes to a stable and fair marketplace for American consumers.
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