TITLE: Commending Joel Simmons for his service as a participant in the Environment and Energy Law Internship Program of Texas.

SUMMARY: Commending Joel Simmons for his service as a participant in the Environment and Energy Law Internship Program of Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Joel Simmons, a participant in the Environment and Energy Law Internship Program of Texas, has rendered outstanding service to the Legislative Study Group during the 83rd Legislative Session; and WHEREAS, Since 2010, EELIPT has offered graduate students in law, public policy, engineering, or other related disciplines the opportunity to gain hands-on energy and environmental policy experience at the Texas Legislature; participants conduct research, write memos, attend hearings, track legislation, collaborate with stakeholders, and carry out other tasks; the program is sponsored by State Representative Lon Burnam and is administered by the Environmental Defense Fund, which, along with other groups, provides training to the internship class; and WHEREAS, While Texas is one of the country's leading energy producers and is home to numerous innovative energy industries, the state also faces a unique set of challenges related to historic drought conditions and phenomenal population growth; given these factors, the state is positioned to be a key player in the evolving efforts to address energy needs while preserving the environment for future generations; and WHEREAS, Joel Simmons has gained invaluable experience in energy and environmental policy making at the Texas Legislature that will serve him well as he continues his studies at The University of Texas School of Law, and he is indeed deserving of special recognition for his hard work and commitment to excellence; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commend Joel Simmons for his service as a participant in the Environment and Energy Law Internship Program of Texas and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Joel Simmons as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Burnam Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 3018 was adopted by the House on May 27, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House