December 15, 2014

GOV. MALLOY RE-APPOINTS ROB KLEE AS COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he intends to re-appoint Rob Klee as Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) when his second term in office begins on January 7, 2015.

"Nearly four years ago, we merged the state's energy and environmental protection functions into one office to better coordinate policy in these integrated areas, and since that time Rob has been at the forefront of working to improve Connecticut's approach so that we have a 21st Century vision to building a stronger future," Governor Malloy said. "He has helped implement innovative and breakthrough programs that are addressing long-standing environmental and energy challenges, focused on protecting our natural resources and quality of life while strengthening our economy and creating jobs. I am grateful that Rob has agreed to continue these important efforts when our second term begins next month."

"I am honored to be a part of this administration and pleased with the opportunity Governor Malloy is providing me to continue leading the outstanding staff of DEEP," Commissioner Klee said. "We have made much progress in addressing key environmental and energy challenges, and in transforming this agency to better serve the interests of the people of our state. At DEEP, we will continue working closely with the Governor and the General Assembly to safeguard the natural resources which make Connecticut such a special place to live and to help build a sustainable and prosperous by implementing 21st Century energy policy."

Commissioner Klee began the position as the head of DEEP in January 2014 . He served as the agency's Chief of Staff for three years immediately preceding his appointment as Commissioner.

As Commissioner, Klee has focused DEEP on strengthening Connecticut's response to climate change - both by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and by putting in place adaptation strategies to address changes in the climate already underway. He is also heading the agency's effort to double the state's recycling rate to 60% through programs that encourage more recycling and that recapture more materials of value from the waste stream, and the push to streamline the process for cleaning up contaminated lands and putting them back into productive reuse.

DEEP's agenda has also included protection of Connecticut's water resource - lakes, rivers, streams and the Long Island Sound coastline - as well as strengthening the state park system and outdoor recreation activities for residents and visitors alike.

On the energy side, DEEP has been working to implement Connecticut's first-ever Comprehensive Energy Strategy by cooperating with the state's Green Bank on expanded energy efficiency and deployment of renewable energy sources, and also working to expand opportunities for use of cleaner and cheaper natural gas for heating homes and business. The energy agenda also includes policies to give Connecticut a more resilient and modern electric grid system.

DEEP is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the State of Connecticut, as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency was established on July 1, 2011 following the consolidation of the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Utility Control, and energy policy staff from other areas of state government.

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For Immediate Release: December 15, 2014

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy