March 31, 1989
Dear Mrs. Lasker:
Thank you for your kind letter of congratulations on my appointment as Secretary of Energy. The outpouring of support from colleagues throughout the country has
been truly overwhelming.
I am looking forward to serving in the Bush Administration and tackling the important energy issues facing our nation. In that regard, I have been pleased to learn of the Department of Energy's outstanding achievements in the field of nuclear medicine and epidemiology. Much of the diagnostic and treatment technology now in use in hospitals around the world had its origins in
this Department's research laboratories.  In addition, the Department funds one of the world's largest ongoing epidemiologic studies, following individuals exposed to
nuclear radiation during World War II.
I look forward to talking with you and with Terry Lierman at some future date about the Department's medical efforts, and about how we can better interact with the
private sector.
Thank you again for your letter of congratulations, and please accept my warmest regards.
Sincerely,
James D. Watkins