by Chris Davis
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.--Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant will replace outgoing Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin as chair of the Southern States Energy Board. A news release from the board said he was selected Monday because of Mississippi's position as an energy leader in the region.

Bryant will serve a one-year term. Part of Bryant's duties will be to guide the board in a "forward-thinking approach to energy and to continue to develop a comprehensive energy policy that works".

The release states more about the Board's mission:

The Southern States Energy Board helps promote pro-energy legislation, encourages job creation and innovation and works to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources while preserving our environment.

And Bryant's accolades are stated by Executive Director Ken Nemeth:

Mississippi is the crossroads of the nation with respect to energy policy and technologies," Nemeth said. "Oil and natural gas production, nuclear power, biomass, lignite coal, carbon capture and sequestration, renewables and pipelines make up a diverse energy portfolio in the state. 

The Southern States Energy Board has just elected Gov. Phil Bryant as its chairman because he is a new, dynamic southern leader who understands how to marshal a profusion of energy resources while protecting our environmental assets and reserves.  Gov. Bryant’s energy plan is a vibrant example of how states should manage their resources efficiently and with public confidence.  His chairmanship of the Southern States Energy Board will give other states the opportunity to benefit from his leadership!

An energy summit hosted by Bryant is set for Oct. 4. The one-day summit will bring together industry experts to explore Mississippi’s energy future and features a keynote address by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.