Markey chosen as top Democrat on Natural Resources Committee

By Matt Viser, Globe Staff

WASHINGTON – Representative Edward J. Markey this morning was chosen to be the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee, providing the Malden Democrat with a key role that he says will allow him to block the Republican agenda.

The committee deals with issues involving the environment, energy, and public land.

“In the next Congress, Republicans will attempt to short-circuit the laws that keep our water clean, our air clear and our public lands pristine, while giving short shrift to emerging clean energy technologies that can create jobs and clean up our environment,” Markey said this morning in a statement. “With my fellow Democrats on the Natural Resources Committee, I believe we can chart a course that will continue the progress we’ve made on creating energy jobs here in America, without sacrificing our nation’s natural heritage.”

Markey, one of the most senior members in the House, has been chairing a select committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. That committee is being eliminated when Republicans take control of the House next month, and Democrats are going through a reshuffling in leadership roles.

The current chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, Representative Nick Rahall of West Virginia, is leaving to become the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Markey has served on the Natural Resources Committee since 1976.

Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com.