July 22, 2010

U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (AR-01), Vic Snyder (AR-02) and Mike Ross (AR-04) today announced that the Arkansas Energy Office will receive a $301,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant to support education programs and initiatives to promote conservation and alternative energy in Arkansas.

Among the projects that will be supported are an energy exhibit at the Arkansas Museum of Discovery in Little Rock and regional science fairs throughout Arkansas. In addition, funding will be used to support Energizing Arkansas, a University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture quarterly publication that provides information to readers on the development of energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy policy in Arkansas.

“How we produce and use energy will have enormous implications on our economy and our way of life for years to come, and I am pleased that these funds will help students in Arkansas learn about energy by participating in science fairs and other educational opportunities,” Lincoln said. “Our state has a significant role to play in America’s transition to a new energy economy and I am particularly focused on creating good, clean energy jobs for Arkansans. I applaud efforts to encourage conservation and alternative energy in our state.”

“Energy efficiency is good for our environment and good for our economy, fostering green jobs and saving families and businesses money,” Pryor said. “By promoting energy efficiency education and awareness throughout Arkansas, this grant will play an important role in developing green industries and technology in our state.”

“Promoting education about conservation and alternative energy is a great way to show the next generation how to be more energy-efficient in their personal lives, as well as in business,” Berry said. “I am excited to see Arkansans will be prepared for the future of alternative energy development and policy.”

“School for kids is a lot of hard work, but it also can be exciting,” Snyder said. “These investments support Arkansas’s clean energy educational programs to help capture the imagination of more young people and inspire them to become future energy innovators.”

“Making our country more energy independent is important to both our economy and national security,” Ross said. “By encouraging a new generation of energy innovators, we can continue developing state-of-the-art technology that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make better use of alternative and renewable sources of energy. I am proud to help announce this federal investment because we are creating green, sustainable jobs now, while saving homeowners and taxpayers money in the long term.”

“The federally funded State Energy Program has been a great help to Arkansas in providing support for the development of clean and efficient sources of energy,” said Chris Benson, Director of the Arkansas Energy Office. “Many of the energy related information and activities in the State can be traced to this important program.”

Lincoln Announces Summer 2010 Internship Program, Urges Arkansas Students to Apply

12-15-09 Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) is accepting applications for her summer internship program, which provides students the opportunity to learn about the federal government and our nation’s legislative process.  Selected college students will work in Lincoln’s Washington, D.C., or Little Rock office.

“I always enjoy hosting some of Arkansas’s finest young people in my Senate offices,” said Lincoln. “The students who have participated in my internship program over the past 10 years have been an indispensable asset to me, my staff, and to all Arkansans who contact my office.  I encourage anyone who is interested to apply for this valuable opportunity.” 

The program helps interns learn about the federal legislative process, develop writing skills, and increase communication skills. During the five-week session, interns in the Washington, D.C., office work closely with staff to perform various constituent services, participate in the legislative process, and experience life in Washington, D.C. Interns in the state office receive a hands-on introduction to constituent outreach and response.  They work with professional casework staff and participate in a variety of tours and meetings, which provide an overview of the various functions of a state Congressional office.  

Internships are available for one of two summer sessions. The first session is June 1 – July 2, 2010, and the second session is July 6 – August 6, 2010.  Formal applications are available online at www.lincoln.senate.gov/students. 

Completed applications for the summer 2010 program must be submitted by February 12, 2010.  For more information about Lincoln’s internship program, contact Katie Church at (202) 224-4843.