State Sen. Jack Murphy of Cumming has been selected to represent Georgia on a congressional energy panel.Murphy, a Republican who represents District 27, was recently appointed by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle to the Southern States Energy Board.In a statement, Murphy said he was honored to “join this collaborative effort to benefit the entire southern region of the United States.” “As chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, I will be able to help develop effective energy and environmental policies and programs that align with the Southern States Energy Board’s mission,” he said.According to a news release, Congress has given the board a broad mandate to advance the economic and community health of the southern region. It will help create programs in the fields of energy and environmental policy research, development and implementation, science and technology exploration, among other areas. The board is made up of governors and state legislators, as well as a presidential appointee. In addition to Georgia, 17 other states and territories are represented.In making the announcement, Cagle described Murphy as “well-versed in the subject matter” and said he “will do a great job.”“I look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with Senator Murphy to deliver real results for Georgians,” he said in a statement.