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Markey Wants Top Democratic Spot on Natural Resources

Updated: 8:57 p.m.

Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) is seeking the ranking member spot on the House Natural Resources Committee, he said in a statement Wednesday, but he may face competition from Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz).

Markey would take the place of Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), who is seeking the ranking position on Transportation and Infrastructure. Transportation Chairman James Oberstar (D-Minn.) lost his re-election bid last week.

Meanwhile, Grijalva told E&E Publishing on Wednesday that he would challenge Markey for the spot.

“The stakes have never been higher for creating new energy jobs, protecting our environment, and increasing our national security by properly managing our own natural resources,” Markey said in his statement. “Now is not the time to capitulate to an agenda that will allow China and the rest of the world to win the clean energy jobs race, all at the expense of the planet. Following the largest oil spill in our nation’s history, it is imperative that we have a cop on the beat policing the oil industry.”

Markey said he would remain on the Energy and Commerce Committee but would cede his post atop its Energy and Environment Subcommittee if he became ranking member on Natural Resources.

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