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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) has been selected by Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) to serve on the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Subcommittees on Energy and Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPAC) during the 116^th Congress. As previously announced, Latta will also serve as the Republican leader on the Communications and Technology subcommittee.

Latta served as the Chairman of the CPAC Subcommittee, then known as the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection (DCCP), last Congress. In that role, he authored the SELF DRIVE Act, legislation that would establish a Federal framework for autonomous vehicles. That legislation was approved by the E&C Committee 54-0 and passed the House floor on a voice vote. Latta also introduced the SMART IoT Act which passed the House of Representatives.

Congressman Latta also served on the Energy Subcommittee during the 115^th Congress. In that role, he authored legislation with Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-CA) to protect the electric grid from cyber attacks. In addition, he has been an advocate for policies that encourage advanced nuclear technology.
 
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve on these three subcommittees,” said Congressman Latta. “On the newly named Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, I’ll be able to continue leading on the policy issues facing new technology like self-driving cars and the Internet of Things. On Energy, I’ll keep working on implementing the policies that have seen the U.S. become the world’s largest oil and gas producer and focus on the need to increase the resiliency of our energy infrastructure. Both of these subcommittees are in addition to my Republican leader role on Communications and Technology.

“These positions put me in a unique position to implement policies that help the people of Ohio’s 5^th Congressional District. Whether it’s expanding access to broadband in rural areas, boosting American energy production and keeping prices low for consumers, or helping our farmers and manufacturers use cutting-edge IoT technology – these subcommittee assignments will help deliver results for my constituents.”

“Congressman Latta has been a vocal supporter on the Energy and Commerce Committee for American energy production, reducing barriers to implementing technology, and expanding access to broadband,” said E&C Republican leader Greg Walden. “On these subcommittees, Bob will be able to continue his efforts from his time as the Chairman of the DCCP Subcommittee last Congress and be a strong voice for energy policies that create jobs and ensure energy security. In addition, I have the utmost confidence in Bob in his role as the Republican leader on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee.”

The Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes interstate and foreign commerce; the Federal Trade Commission, including sports-related matters; consumer affairs and consumer protection, including privacy; data security; consumer product safety; motor vehicle safety; product liability; and regulation of travel, tourism, and time.

The Energy Subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes national energy policy; the Department of Energy; the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; energy conservation; utility issues; energy generation, marketing, reliability, transmission, siting, exploration, efficiency, cybersecurity, and ratemaking for all generated power.

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