The Center for Legislative Energy and Environmental Research, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, has installed Alabama state Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) as its new chairman for 2017-2018. The group made the announcement at its annual meeting on Sunday, September 17.

According to The Shelby County Reporter, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson joined Senator Ward at the event. CLEER is a subgroup of The Energy Council, a legislative organization composed of 12 energy producing American states and two Canadian provinces.

In a press release, Senator Ward expressed is gratitude for being named to the position and his hope to strengthen the United State’s position as a world leader in energy production.

“I am honored to be selected chairman of such a distinguished research group. Along with my CLEER colleagues from across the country, I will continue to promote an energy and environmental policy that strengthens the United States’ position as the world’s leader in the delivery of electricity, natural gas, and energy resources. I want to thank New Mexico State Sen. Carroll Leavell for the tremendous job he’s done as the past chairman of CLEER.”

Ward is no stranger to energy research and legislation. He has previously served as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, Joint Oversight Committee on Energy Policy, and the Energy and Transportation Committee for the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The Energy council was formed in 1975 to advise legislators on matters regarding the development of energy policy. The council’s advisory board is comprised of more than 50 North American energy-related companies and experts.