WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman today released the following statement:

“It is with regret that I announce the resignation of Deputy Secretary of Energy Clay Sell.  Clay has served with distinction as the Deputy Secretary of Energy for nearly three years and has played a key role in the Administration’s efforts to enact landmark energy legislation in 2005 and 2007.”

“As the Department’s Chief Operating Officer, Clay has led and implemented many of the successful Departmental improvements of the last three years, including improving the performance and capability of our nuclear weapons and intelligence organizations, streamlining the management and focus of our safety and security functions through the creation of the Office of Health, Safety and Security, and implementing operating principles that will leave the Department of Energy better managed, with better communication, and increased focus on developing capable leaders who will serve the Department well.”

“On a personal note, Clay has worked closely with me to implement many of the President’s energy, science and nonproliferation initiatives, particularly in the area of nuclear power.  He has done so with total dedication to the Department, our President and our country.  I am grateful for his friendship and for his service.  Diane and I wish Clay, and his wife Alisa and their three children, the very best in their future endeavors.”

Clay Sell said, “My decision to resign has been a difficult one, but I do so with gratitude to the President and Secretary Bodman for giving me the opportunity to serve at the Department of Energy with a team of outstanding federal and contractor employees.  The Department’s missions are among the most important to our nation and to our world and I look forward to celebrating all that this Department will accomplish in 2008 and beyond.”

As the Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Energy, Deputy Secretary Sell oversees an organization of 115,000 federal and contractor employees spread across 17 national labs, a special weapons complex, four federal utilities, dozens of major ongoing environmental remediation projects and an annual budget of over $24 billion.

Deputy Secretary Sell’s resignation will be effective February 29, 2008.  Mr. Sell previously worked at the White House as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, serving on the staff of the National Economic Council and in the Office of Legislative Affairs, where he coordinated the development and implementation of the Administration’s energy policy.  Mr. Sell also held senior staff positions with the Committee on Appropriations in the United States Senate and with Congressman Mac Thornberry of Texas.

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