Nominee Hints Energy Shakeup : Has ‘Open Mind’ on Merging of Agencies

John Herrington, President Reagan’s nominee to take over the Energy Department, said today he has an “open mind” on merging the Cabinet-level agency with the Interior Department.

Testifying at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Herrington said that Reagan’s only instructions to him were to “give him my best opinions as to his options.”

With no energy experience, Herrington, 45, has raised fears that his primary function will be to serve as a caretaker while the Administration tries to dismantle the department, a Reagan goal since the 1980 campaign.

“I would like to assure you that the President has nominated me to be a full-time secretary of energy, not a caretaker,” he testified.

Several committee members indicated during the hearing that they do not favor dismantling the Energy Department.

Herrington displayed a lack of knowledge of several energy issues when questioned about specific government programs.

He said he doesn’t yet understand the difference between fission nuclear power and fusion, an energy research program that budget chief David A. Stockman wants to eliminate.

And asked by Sen. Dale Bumpers (D-Ark.) if he had any idea what will be the sources of the nation’s energy in the year 2000 or 2010, Herrington said, “That speculation is beyond the scope of my knowledge.”

“I think we must keep our options open,” he said. “To foreclose one area or another would not be prudent.”