Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell recently named Abigail Ross Hopper as the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which manages the development of our nation’s conventional and renewable energy and marine mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf.
Hopper, who most recently served as the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration, will be the second director in BOEM’s history. Acting Director Dr. Walter Cruickshank, served in the post temporarily since former Director Tommy Beaudreau became Chief of Staff to Secretary Jewell in May 2014.
“Abigail Hopper’s knowledge of the energy sector, experience working with a wide variety of stakeholders and her legal expertise will be valuable assets to the Bureau and the Department as we continue to ensure the safe and responsible development of our domestic energy and mineral resources and stand up an offshore wind program,” said Secretary Jewell. “She is an accomplished professional who brings strategic leadership and long-term vision to the job, and I look forward to having her as a member of our senior leadership team.”
Hopper has led the Maryland Energy Administration since 2012, first as Acting Director and then as Director in June 2013. She also served concurrently as Energy Advisor to Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley since 2010. The Maryland Energy Administration coordinates and directs energy planning for Maryland State agencies, and helps local governments implement programs to reduce energy consumption. It also helps businesses become more competitive by introducing new technologies and developing strategies for emerging competitive energy markets.
As Director, Hopper was pivotal in ensuring the passage of the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013. She oversaw programs designed to achieve Maryland’s strategic energy goals, including increasing renewable energy production, reducing energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She presided over the launch of new programs, including Smart Energy Communities, which provides funding to local governments that adopt cutting-edge clean energy policies. Hopper has also focused significant resources on improving the resiliency of the State’s electric utilities in the face of major storms.
— Source: U. S. Department of the Interior
