Document KD84DNk006Ly4mzOk7BOpyG2

Document 52 From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: Farrell, Carolyn Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:03:25 +0000 Fitzsimmons, Alexander Hrkman, Lou (Louis) [EXTERNAL] American Gas Association Letter to Secretary Wright Letter to Secretary Wright_AGA 2025.pdf Alex -- Attached please find a letter from Karen Harbert, President and CEO of the American Gas Association to Secretary Wright. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you or your staff have any questions. Best, Carolyn Farrell Carolyn Farrell I Manager, President's Office American Gas Association 400 N. Capitol St., NW I Washington, DC I 20001 P: (b) (6) I cfarrell@aga.org The American Gas Association represents more than 200 local energy companies committed to the safe and reliable delivery of clean natural gas to more than 74 million customers throughout the nation. ******************************************************************** This message does not originate from a known Department of Energy email system. Use caution if this message contains attachments, links or requests for information. ******************************************************************** AGAAmerican Gas Association Document 52 Attachment 1 February 10, 2025 The Honorable Chris Wright Secretary U.S. Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20024 Re: Congratulations and Request for Introductory Meeting Dear Secretary Wright: As President and CEO of the American Gas Association ("AGA") and a DOE alumna, I would like to congratulate you on your confirmation and swearing-in as DOE Secretary. AGA and DOE have a long history of working together to maintain consumer access to clean, affordable natural gas and leverage our collective expertise to design programs and initiatives to advance our nation's energy security. On behalf of our members and staff, AGA looks forward to working with you and your team to advance our shared energy priorities. AGA represents more than 200 local energy companies committed to the safe and reliable delivery of clean natural gas to more than 189 million Americans and 5.8 million businesses in all fifty states. There are more than 79 million residential, commercial, and industrial natural gas customers in the United States, of which 94 percent--more than 74 million customers--receive their gas from AGA members. Today, natural gas meets more than one third of energy needs within the United States. Natural gas has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of America's economy and energy independence. Our industry is committed to investing, building, and innovating for the families and businesses who depend on us every minute of every day. We were pleased to see the inclusion of a complete review of DOE's appliance standards program in your nine-point plan - AGA's members serve residential and commercial consumers, the majority of whom use natural gas appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters. We also welcome your focus on permitting reform, which is one of our industry's highest priorities. Additionally, as AGA members provide service to federal buildings, including Department of Defense installations, AGA has an interest in the government's rules and policies that would remove or limit natural gas in federal facilities such as DOE's Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations ofFederal Buildings rule. I would like to request a meeting on behalf of our Board Chair, Lloyd Yates, President & CEO, NiSource and me, to introduce AGA and outline our top issues for the department. Mr. Yates will be in town on February 20th and 25th and has availability for meetings. If your staff has any questions, please contact Carolyn Farrell, Manager, President's Office at cfarrell@aga.org or (b) (6) Sincerely, Karen Harbert President and Chief Executive Officer American Gas Association Cc: Alex Fitzsimmons, Chief of Staff Louis Hrkman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary