Utech Takes Over as the President’s Top Energy and Climate Change Advisor

Dan Utech has replaced Heather Zichal as Director for Energy and Climate Change at the White House Domestic Policy Council.

Zichal filled the role for more than five years and was a trusted advisor to President Obama. She crafted his energy and climate change agenda in 2008, and was a strong advocate for policies that she felt reduced America’s dependence on foreign oil, protected public health and the environment, and combated the threat of global climate change.

In his previous role as deputy director, Utech worked on a wide range of energy and environmental policy issues. Prior to joining the White House, he served as a senior advisor to Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

In his first blog post since assuming his new role and on the heels of the Department of Energy’s announcement that in October domestic oil production exceeded crude oil imports for the first time since 1995, Utech praised the President’s energy and climate strategy for helping oil production hit a 24-year high.

Environmental groups applauded the promotion. In a press release, Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council said Utech is “well-suited to carry forward the policies our country needs to expand clean energy, cut carbon pollution, address climate change and protect health.”

—Aaron Larson, associate editor (@AaronL_Power, @POWERmagazine)