(Anchorage) - Alaska Representative Tom Anderson (R-East Anchorage) has been chosen to serve as the new Vice-chairman of the Energy and Electric Utilities Committee for the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL). NCSL is the pre-eminent bipartisan organization dedicated to providing an open, national forum for lawmakers to communicate with one another and share ideas. During his first term in office, Representative Anderson has served as Chair of both the House Labor and Commerce Committee and the Anchorage Caucus, as well as Vice-chair of the House Judiciary Committee.

Representative Anderson said, "I feel very honored to represent the State of Alaska and serve as Vice-chairman of the Energy and Electric Utilities Committee. In the upcoming meetings we will debate and discuss issues that affect many of our state's prime interests - the proposed gas line, ANWR development, and utility regulation."

Discussions will begin at the NCSL Fall Forum in Washington, D.C., December 8-10, 2004. All of NCSL's 15 Standing Committees, lawmakers and staff will address the critical issues on legislative agendas, discuss important federal legislation that affects states with members of Congress and the administration, and hear experts speak on ideas and solutions to difficult problems.

"I look forward to a productive year," Representative Anderson said. "With the legislature working on solutions to ensure Alaska's fiscal future, it will be important not to lose sight of those industries who keep the Alaskan economy running. Energy, sustained and safe, will see Alaska into the next century. I am proud to be a part of that future."

Rep. Anderson, a first time legislator has just finished a term as Chair of NCSL's Labor & Workforce Development Committee. The National Conference of State Legislatures was founded in 1975 with the conviction that legislative service is one of democracy's worthiest pursuits. NCSL offers a wide variety of resources to state legislatures, and has worked closely with many legislatures as they develop their own energy policy.

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