SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES DOE FOSSIL ENERGY NOMINEE SMITH

Karen Frantz
GHG Monitor
12/20/13

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources reported out the nomination of Chris Smith to be Assistant Secretary of Energy for Fossil Energy this week, despite the lone vocal opposition of Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). Stabenow said at a Dec. 17 business meeting that she was not yet satisfied that Smith had a “sufficient plan” for dealing with natural gas exports. “I think it’s important to proceed carefully on exports,” she said, adding, “It’s a balance. I think it’s very important that we get it right and not squander the opportunity for the American economy and good paying jobs. And I don’t yet see an understanding for a plan for this, and so, Mr. Chairman, I will be voting no.” The next step in Smith’s confirmation process is for the full Senate to vote on his nomination.

The White House nominated Smith to serve as Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy in September. He has held the position in an acting capacity since February, after Charles McConnell stepped down, and previously served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary. Smith served as FE’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oil and Gas from 2009 to 2013. Prior to his tenure at DOE, Smith spent most of his career at Chevron, working in a variety of positions there between 2002 and 2009. He also worked at Texaco before its refining operations merged with Chevron’s. Smith graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and the University of Cambridge and also served as an Operations Officer and Task Force Engineer in the U.S. Army.