Simmons ceremonially sworn to DOE post

While officially sworn in as Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) last month, Daniel R. Simmons was ceremonially sworn in on Feb. 6 by Secretary of Energy Rick Perry.

The ceremony provided an opportunity to honor Simmons and his new role before his family, friends, and colleagues.

“From the moment I was sworn in as Secretary, I’ve been clear that we’re committed to an all-of-the-above energy policy,” Perry said. “I have the utmost confidence that Assistant Secretary Simmons is going to excel with the EERE team to make American energy abundant, affordable, efficient and secure.”

Simmons will lead EERE in promoting affordable and reliable energy as well as overseeing technology development in the energy efficiency, renewable power, and sustainable transportation sectors.

“Thanks to the power of innovation, we have become the world’s second-highest generator of wind and solar power,” Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes said. “Renewables, along with energy storage and energy efficiency, are critical elements of our overall energy and economic strategy, and I am pleased to have Assistant Secretary Simmons on board to continue advancing our country’s renewable technologies.”

Simmons previously served as the director of the Natural Resources Task Force of the American Legislative Exchange Council and was a research fellow at the Mercatus Center. He also worked as professional staff on the Committee on Resources of the U.S. House of Representatives.