By Judy Jackson, Fermi Lab Public Affairs

On July 31, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed U.N. Ambassador Bill Richardson as the new Secretary of Energy.

President Bill Clinton welcomed Richardson's confirmation. In a statement issued from the Hamptons on Long Island, the vacationing Clinton said Richardson brings extraordinary experience and expertise to his new job at DOE.

"As a member of the U.S. Congress representing New Mexico, an energy-rich state is home to two Department of Energy national laboratories," Clinton said, "he has extensive firsthand experience on issues ranging from oil and gas deregulation, to alternativ e energy, to ensuring strong environmental standards in energy development. As U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, he has been a vigorous and articulate proponent of U.S. engagement and has successfully tackled tough negotiating challenges around the world."

Richardson was elected eight times as U.S. representative of the 3rd District in New Mexico. He served as Chief Deputy Whip, among the highest-ranking posts in the house Democratic leadership, and also chaired the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

As a special presidential envoy, Congressman Richardson traveled to trouble spots around the globe, gaining a growing reputation for his negotiating ability in areas of crisis. In Myanmar (formerly Burma) for example, he visited Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize for her role in that country's pro-democracy movement, while she was under house arrest by Myanmar's military dictatorship. Richardson's efforts are credited with achieving greater freedom for the Burmese leader and her foll owers in the struggle for democracy. President Clinton name Richardson ambassador to the U.N. in December, 1996.

Officials at DOE's Office of Energy Research said they are pleased at Richardson's swift confirmation.

"I am delighted that Ambassador Richardson will be bringing his well-known energy and abilities to the Department of Energy," said Energy Research director Martha Krebs. "We are looking forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen the Departm ent's leadership in the support of U.S. science and technology."

Richardson said he will retain his position as U.N. Ambassador until he takes up his post as DOE Secretary after a "long-delayed" family vacation. DOE officials said Acting Secretary Elizabeth Moler will continue to serve until Richardson's arrival at DOE.

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