WASHINGTON, D.C. - Fourth Congressional District Rep. Dan Newhouse was named vice-chairman of the Energy Subcommittee for the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

Newhouse, who was elected to the vacant Fourth District seat in the November general election, will play a big role on the Energy Subcommittee. The committee has jurisdiction over matters in relation to non-defense federal research and development programs, laboratories overseen by the Department of Energy, and commercial application of energy technology.

Newhouse said he was honored by the opportunity.

"The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Hanford Site position central Washington as a leading region in the development of groundbreaking clean energy and nuclear waste management technologies," Newhouse said in part. "As vice-chairman of the subcommittee, I will advocate for our lab and bring central Washington's point of view on the continuing benefits and the necessity of developing and applying advanced energy technologies."

On Tuesday, Newhouse met with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Director Michael Kluse. The two men discussed federal energy research in central Washington.

"I'm thrilled that Rep. Newhouse will serve as the vice chair of the Energy Subcommittee. I look forward to working with him in this important role as the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory delivers impactful science and technology to the nation's energy agenda," said Kluse.

The subcommittee also has jurisdiction over nuclear, solar and renewable energy, alternate fuels, nuclear waste management and oversight of the DOE.

Committee chairman Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, said Newhouse brings a unique insight to his new position with the new energy research being done in the Fourth District at PNNL in Richland.

"We have important work ahead of us in the 114th Congress. As we take on issues that will shape our nation's energy future, the committee will benefit from Rep. Newhouse's leadership. I look forward to working closely with Rep. Newhouse to promote policies that will ensure Americans have access to abundant, clean and affordable energy," Smith said.