Washington, DC - Dr. James J. Markowsky, who has spearheaded DOE’s efforts in the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies for the past two years, has announced he will resign as Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy (ASFE) effective Nov. 4.

Markowsky, who was confirmed Aug. 7, 2009 by the Senate as the 11th ASFE in the history of the Department of Energy (DOE), has been responsible for office operations and managing FE’s extensive research and development program (encompassing coal, oil and natural gas) as well as the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

In announcing Markowsky’s departure, DOE Secretary Steven Chu said:

"Jim has helped guide the implementation of historic Recovery Act investments, not only putting Americans to work but laying the groundwork for a strong, thriving low-carbon economy.  Thanks to the work of Jim and others here at the Department, we are on a path to achieve the President’s ambitious goal of commercial scale deployment of CCS technologies within eight-to-10 years.  We thank him for his distinguished service and wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Markowsky began his career with American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEP) in 1971 as a Senior Engineer. He rose through the ranks of AEP to eventually become Executive Vice President in 1993 until his retirement in 2000.  Prior to joining DOE, he was a consultant to the energy and electric power generation industries.

Dr. Victor Der, FE’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, will serve as Acting Assistant Secretary upon Dr. Markowsky’s departure.

<p>FECommunications@hq.doe.gov</p><p>&nbsp;</p>