Colorado Politics: Colorado Republican Gabe Evans named to powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee

U.S. Rep.-elect Gabe Evans was named on Friday to the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, making the Fort Lupton Republican the first incoming freshman to be added to the panel in 14 years.

Established in 1795 as the chamber's first standing committee, the panel exercises the broadest jurisdiction of any House committee, considering legislation on topics ranging from health care policy, consumer protection and foreign commerce to national energy policy, electronic communications and technology.

Evans, a first-term state lawmaker elected to represent the 8th Congressional District in November, joins the senior member of the state's congressional delegation, Democratic U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette of Denver, on the committee.

In a statement, Evans said he was honored to be selected to serve on the panel.

“Colorado’s 8th Congressional District is essential to American energy independence, which affects everything from solving high costs to protecting national security," Evans said. "It is essential Coloradans have balanced representation on this committee, and I’m ready to get to work."

The committee is expected to play a leading role in the next Congress as the GOP majority seeks to enact President-elect Trump's energy policy.

The 8th CD covers portions of Adams, Larimer and Weld counties north of the Denver metro area. Weld County is a leading energy producer nationally and the top fossil fuel producer in the state, with 83% of Colorado's crude oil production and 52% of its natural gas production within the county's boundaries.

Before Evans, the most recent incoming freshman to land a spot on the sought-after panel was fellow Colorado Republican Cory Gardner, who was named to the committee on the heels of his election in the 4th Congressional District in 2010.

The House GOP steering committee that picks committee chairs on Monday picked Kentucky Republican Brett Guthrie to helm the panel next year.

“Together we will restore America’s energy dominance and lower household energy prices, beat China, protect our children online, and lower health care costs for hard-working Americans and their families,” Guthrie tweeted. “Let’s get to work!”

Also this week, the House Democratic Caucus tapped U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey to again serve as the committee's ranking member.

“I will fight vigorously to defend all that we have accomplished together in recent years, including historic health care enrollment, lowering prescription drug prices, combating the climate crisis, and investing in American infrastructure and manufacturing," Pallone said in a statement. "Committee Democrats will not back down from lowering everyday costs for American families, growing our economy, protecting consumers, and leading the clean energy transition."