Posted on January 16, 2019
HARTFORD — In preparation for her second term as State Representative of East Lyme and Salem, Rep. Holly Cheeseman (R-37) submitted her committee assignment requests to Legislative leaders in December – including one to return to the Energy and Technology Committee. This week, Rep. Cheeseman attended her first Energy and Technology meeting and discovered that she is the only woman serving on the committee.
“I feel driven to improve Connecticut’s energy and technology infrastructure while still protecting customer and business ratepayers,” said Rep. Cheeseman, who minored in Physics in college. “This committee and the state have tackled many important energy-related issues, and I am proud of the work I accomplished as part of the committee last term in regards to preserving Millstone. After last year’s passage of Senate Bill 9 – which promotes the purchase of renewable energy and reduces overall emissions – I anticipate our focus this year will shift from energy more towards technology.”
“I would love to see more young female students cultivating an interest in STEM subjects, and more women finding success in this career field,” continued Rep. Cheeseman. “To be honest, I wanted to major in physics – but found out that to win a Nobel Prize in the area, I would have had to do so before age 25! Though I wasn’t able to achieve this milestone, I am a firm believer in reaching for your dreams and encourage the women of Connecticut to never cease from doing so.”
“Holly Cheeseman brings a wide array of experience and common sense to the job for the people of her district. The House Republican caucus can rely on her knowledge and Holly has demonstrated she is willing to do the hard work necessary to fully represent her constituents,’’ House Republican Leader Themis Klarides said.
“Rep. Cheeseman is a thoughtful, detail-oriented and hard-working lawmaker who always does her homework,” said Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme), the Ranking Member of the Energy and Technology Committee. “Those qualities are in high demand on this panel, which deals with complex, time-consuming concepts that impact everyone in our state. I had the pleasure of working with her at the municipal level in East Lyme, and I am now looking forward to working with Rep. Cheeseman on statewide energy policy. I know she will continue to be a strong and positive voice for the people of Southeastern Connecticut.”
The Energy and Technology Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and energy planning and activities. Rep. Cheeseman also serves as a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, and Ranking Member of the General Law Committee.