Washington, DC – Former Pennsylvania congressman and long-time energy advocate John E. Peterson joined the board of directors of the American Energy Alliance (AEA), a Washington, DC-based advocacy organization that promotes market-based solutions to meet our nation’s growing energy demands. Peterson will join the board immediately, taking an active leadership role in AEA’s state and federal advocacy efforts leading up to the November mid-term elections.
“Affordable, homegrown energy is the foundation for a prosperous and productive society,” said Peterson. “I look forward to this opportunity, which will allow me to continue the process of educating citizens about the importance of market-based energy solutions and providing them with the tools they need to ensure their voices are heard in the corridors of power both in Washington and in state Capitols across the nation.”
Peterson went on to say that after a year and a half observing the energy proposals put forward by this Congress and Administration, he could no longer sit on the sidelines and watch years of hard work go down the drain. “For nearly three decades, politicians of both political parties failed to address our nation’s energy challenges. And to put all your energy eggs in one basket, as Washington has done as of late with renewables, shortchanges the American people. We need an energy policy that takes full advantage of our resources, puts folks to work, and lessons our foreign dependence.”
Congressman Peterson served on both the House Resources Committee and Appropriations Committee for 10 years. While in Congress, Peterson built a reputation as a principled legislator who worked across the aisle on legislation aimed at creating jobs, spurring economic development, and ending the decade’s old embargo on offshore domestic energy exploration.
“As a Member of Congress, John Peterson was one of the fiercest critics of the Bush Administration’s energy policy and a stalwart advocate of increasing domestic oil and natural gas production,” said Thomas J. Pyle, president of AEA. “In addition to his years of work promoting commonsense solutions to solving our domestic energy crisis, Congressman Peterson has been unwavering in his support for affordable, reliable and efficient energy for all Americans.”
Pyle went on to say that Peterson will play a leading role in an AEA-led effort to hold elected officials accountable at the ballot box this November. “As a member of our board, Congressman Peterson will work closely with AEA staff to ensure that lawmakers are held accountable for their positions on energy regulation and legislation. We look forward to this relationship and are grateful that the Congressman has agreed to volunteer his time to help us advance our mission.”
Peterson will advise AEA on education and advocacy strategy at the state and federal level. After serving six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and over 25 years in local and state government, Peterson retired from elected office in 2008. Since his retirement, Peterson has remained active in local and state energy issues, serving as executive director of the Alleghany Forest Alliance. He currently resides in Pleasantville, Pennsylvania with his wife, Sandy, and golden retriever, Milo.