WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman today announced the swearing-in of Alexander “Andy” Karsner as Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).  Assistant Secretary Karsner was confirmed by unanimous consent of the U.S. Senate on March 16, 2006.

 

“I’m pleased to have Andy as a member of our team.  His background in developing new energy technologies in the private sector will be invaluable as the DOE pursues President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative,” Secretary Bodman said. 

 

As assistant secretary, Mr. Karsner will manage the Department of Energy’s (DOE) $1.17 billion EERE office, which promotes the development of domestic, renewable, and environmentally sound energy technologies, as well as efficient use of our energy resources.  Assistant Secretary Karsner will also lead DOE’s efforts to carry out the new Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI), announced by President Bush in his 2006 State of the Union address, which provides a 22 percent increase in clean-energy research to accelerate breakthroughs in the way we power our cars, homes, and businesses.

 

“DOE is working on a wide variety of fronts to foster more rapid development, commercialization, and deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.  I look forward to working with Secretary Bodman and my colleagues to bring these technologies to bear on our nation’s energy security and environmental well-being,” Assistant Secretary Karsner said.

 

Joining DOE from Enercorp LLC, Assistant Secretary Karsner served as managing director of the company, known for international project development, management, and financing of renewable energy infrastructure.  Mr. Karsner’s global energy experience has encompassed a wide range of technologies including heavy fuel oil, distillates, natural gas, coal, wood waste/biomass, and wind energy and distributed generation based upon renewable technologies.

 

Assistant Secretary Karsner graduated with honors with a BA from Rice University, and an MA from Hong Kong University.  He and his family reside in Alexandria, Virginia.