Should an Oil Executive Be in Charge of Renewable Energy Policy?

     A Permian Basin oil executive, Audrey Robertson, has been confirmed by a Senate panel to lead the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. According to Hart Energy:

“Robertson co-founded Franklin Mountain Energy, a Permian Basin-focused E&P, in 2018 and served as its CFO. Coterra Energy acquired the Permian assets of Franklin and Avant Natural Resources in November 2024 in separate transactions that totaled $3.95 billion.”

     She noted her qualifications in her hearing:

“As an investor and board member, I have dedicated time and resources to numerous next-generation energy technologies, including small-modular nuclear, next-generation geothermal and advanced sodium-ion batteries,” Robertson said. “Advancing technologies like these will be critical to meet our nation’s growing power demands.”

     E&E News, in a February article, notes the function of the DOE’s office she will be heading up:

“The efficiency and renewable energy office at DOE, often referred to by its acronym EERE, covers a broad range of research and development on clean energy systems. EERE houses programs on solar, wind, geothermal, electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells. It also administers DOE efficiency regulations for home appliances and industrial equipment.”

     Some Biden officials think she will be a good leader, especially in areas like hydrogen, geothermal, and CCS that utilize oil and gas skills. More likely, however, the Trump administration likes a fossil fuel executive in the position as a kind of punishment, not unlike how environmental activists will, if given the chance, punish fossil fuel companies. Others have pointed out potential conflicts of interest.

     Oliver Townsend of Solar Cell USA notes:

“The implications of appointing someone with significant ties to the oil industry extend beyond just EERE; they reflect a broader trend observed during Trump’s administration where individuals with vested interests in traditional energy sectors were placed in charge of environmental agencies. Such appointments often lead to policies favoring fossil fuels over renewables—a troubling pattern noted by environmental advocates who fear a regression in progress made toward sustainable practices.”

     She previously served on the board of Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s former company, Liberty Energy, and so has known and worked with her boss before. It remains to be seen whether Robertson will be a good leader for the office or will be biased in her decisions. 

 

 

References:

 

How an oil exec got picked to lead the DOE renewables office. Brian Dabbs. E&E News by Politico. March 17, 2025. How an oil exec got picked to lead the DOE renewables office - E&E News by POLITICO

Trump’s clean energy chief has strong oil industry connections. Oliver Townsend. Solar Cell USA. March 19, 2025. Trump’s clean energy chief has strong oil industry connections | USA Solar Cell

Senate Panel Approves Energy Exec Audrey Robertson for DOE Post. Audrey Robertson, co-founder of Franklin Mountain Energy, was nominated to head energy efficiency and renewable energy office. Joseph Markman. Hart Energy. July 31. 2025. Senate Panel Approves Energy Exec Audrey Robertson for DOE Post | Hart Energy