Gov. Dannel P. Malloy named Robert Klee commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, pending approval from the General Assembly.
Klee, currently DEEP’s chief of staff, will replace Daniel Etsy who resigned last week to return to a tenured professorship at Yale University.
Klee is expected to continue DEEP’s many recently launched initiatives including the state’s comprehensive energy strategy, which will expand the use of natural gas as a low-cost fuel option.
Klee completed his law degree and Ph.d in industrial ecology at Yale.
“Having served as chief of staff for the agency over the last three years, Rob certainly has a strong familiarity with the innovative programs recently put in place to address our long-standing environmental and energy challenges,” Malloy said. “I”™m confident that with Rob serving as commissioner, we can continue these important efforts to protect our natural resources and quality of life while strengthening our economy and creating jobs.”
Following the Klee’s appointment, John Rathgeber, CEO of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, said he was confident Klee would bring continuity to the agency as it continues to find ways to reduce energy costs for residents and businesses alike.
“It’s vital that the agency further its initiatives to remove barriers to economic competitiveness and reduce energy costs while continuing to fulfill its role as steward of Connecticut’s natural resources,” Rathgeber said. “(It)Â will make Connecticut a more attractive place for business investment and job creation.”
