Katie Dykes Named Commissioner Of Department Of Energy And Environmental Protection

News release from Governor-elect Ned Lamont:

Governor-Elect Ned Lamont today announced that he has nominated Katie Dykes as Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Dykes most recently served as Chair of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).

“Katie Dykes has long played an active role in bringing cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy to Connecticut’s families and businesses,” said Lamont. “She has thought carefully about how our state can address climate change and protect the environment, and I welcome her into my administration as we work to bring energy costs down and create new jobs in the green economy.”

“I applaud the steps Connecticut has already taken to transition to a sustainable energy future and counter the adverse effects of climate change,” said Dykes. “I look forward to working with Governor-elect Lamont to protect Connecticut’s environment and pursue a sustainable energy future for the state.”

Dykes previously served as the Deputy Commissioner for Energy at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. In 2016, Dykes was nominated by Governor Malloy to serve as the Chair of Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, where she regulates the rates and services of Connecticut’s electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies. Previously, Dykes also served as Deputy General Counsel for the White House Council on Environmental Quality and as a Legal Advisor to the General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Energy. She is a graduate of Yale College and Yale Law School.

Dykes will begin serving as the Commissioner-designate in January. Her nomination will be sent to the General Assembly for its advice and consent.

Former Mayor Bill Finch, executive director of the Discovery Museum, was among the names under consideration as a Lamont appointment to DEEP. Finch’s spokesperson Brett Broesder issued this statement:

“Bill’s clearly a fan Governor-elect Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor-elect Susan Bysiewicz. He supports their decision with this appointment–knowing of Katie Dykes as a strong leader who will continue doing a great job for the state–and is thrilled that it seems to be yet another sign that the Lamont-Bysiewicz administration is serious about creating green jobs, beating back climate change, developing clean energy, and protecting the environment.

“He’s also thrilled that the Lamont-Bysiewicz team continues to stress the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning–and its importance in preparing kids for tomorrow’s jobs–which is a key focus of The Discovery Museum where Bill is honored to serve as executive director.”

“Here’s the bottom line: Bill is a long-time supporter of the Lamont-Bysiewicz team and looks forward to working closely with them to make Connecticut a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”