Arkansas state representative elected vice chairman of The Energy Council

At the quarterly meeting recently of the Executive Committee of The Energy Council, Arkansas state Rep. Rick Beck, R-Center Ridge, was elected to serve as vice chairman for a one-year term. Once completed, Beck will automatically advance to the chairman position.

The Energy Council is a nonpartisan legislative organization of 14 energy-producing states in the United States and two Canadian provinces. The purpose of the council is to promote balanced energy policy, provide resources to legislative policymakers, and promote dialogue on energy and related environmental matters.

“I have been a member of The Energy Council for a total of four years, serving on the Executive Committee for the past two years. I am truly honored to be selected as the vice chairman,” Beck said.

“The United States position within the global energy market has changed. We were once a major consumer of energy on the global market, and now we are a net exporter into that market,” he said. “Technical advances in both the production and consumption of energy not only impact the domestic markets but markets around the world. The work of The Energy Council is more important than ever.

“As new technologies are developed, the council reviews its effects on the complete energy process from production to end-user consumption. Our recommendations are based on providing affordable, reliable and sustainable energy sources while protecting our environment. As the vice chair, I will also work with Arkansas energy providers, making sure Arkansas wins in energy.”