After serving as California Energy Chair for the past eight years, Chair Robert Weisenmiller announced his retirement.

After eight years of leadership, Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller released the following statement today about his farewell:

It has been my distinct privilege to serve as Chair of the California Energy Commission for the past eight years. This position has allowed me to preside over transformative policies aimed at addressing some of California’s key energy challenges, including the threat of climate change. I am particularly proud of the Commission’s efforts to advance energy science and innovation, capture cost-effective energy savings, develop clean energy projects, improve energy system planning, and respond to the failures of critical but aging energy infrastructure at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility. I have also appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with national and subnational entities to address the existential threats posed by our changing climate.

I have served at the Energy Commission in one role or another through all four terms of Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. It has been an honor to work with him as he promoted California’s leadership on climate issues across the globe. I appreciate his trust in me.

California’s pioneering policies on energy and climate are in good hands with Governor Gavin Newsom. I am confident that his commitment, his command of the facts, and his concern for the future will be hallmarks of his leadership on climate issues. Nevertheless, I have decided it is time to retire from public service.

I will officially step down as Chair and as a member of the Energy Commission on February 21, 2019, leaving the critical work of this organization in the hands of my fellow Commissioners. My colleagues have been remarkable partners in championing California’s leading energy policies and paving a pathway towards a clean energy future. To all of them, and to our dedicated professional staff at the Energy Commission, I offer my sincerest thanks and appreciation. You have made our accomplishments possible and my work enjoyable.

While we have accomplished much, as California’s wildfires in recent years have shown, the challenge of our changing climate requires more innovative solutions and bold action. The Energy Commission will remain a beacon to the world and will continue to prove that science and analysis still matter in a country where facts are too often ignored or dismissed.

Thank you and good luck,
Robert B. Weisenmiller