Union of Concerned Scientists President Kevin Knobloch to Take New Post at Department of Energy

Statements by Kevin Knobloch and Dr. Kathleen Rest, executive director, Union of Concerned Scientists

Published Jun 19, 2013

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. (June 19, 2013) – Kevin Knobloch, the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), will take a new post as chief of staff to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Ernest Moniz, a respected physicist and leader on energy technology and policy. Knobloch will depart UCS on June 21 and start at DOE on June 24. Dr. Kathleen Rest, UCS’s executive director, will oversee the organization as it searches for a new president.

Statement from Kevin Knobloch:

“The bar for leaving my post is very high, and I would only do so for a call to public service of this order. The priorities of Secretary Moniz and the DOE, including reducing carbon emissions, expanding clean renewable energy, and reducing the threat of nuclear weapons and fissile material, have been passions throughout my career. This is a strong opportunity to improve the health and safety of all Americans.

“I am grateful to Dr. Kathleen Rest, the board, staff and UCS supporters, who have worked steadfastly toward these goals throughout my tenure. I know I am leaving an organization that is stronger than it has ever been, with an ambitious, clear view of what must be accomplished. UCS has a world-class, dedicated board, a talented and whip-smart staff; and a large, growing group of members, donors and foundations who support the organization because it gets results.”

Statement from Dr. Kathleen Rest:

“We are so proud to see Kevin serve our country in this influential role at DOE. As president of our organization for the last decade, he has worked with many of the nation’s leading scientists and has a deep understanding of the urgent need to dramatically reduce heat-trapping emissions. Kevin’s appointment underscores the energy secretary’s commitment to making sensible, forward-thinking choices that protect the health and economic well-being of current and future generations.

“Under Kevin’s leadership, UCS has leveraged its scientific and technical expertise to shape important policies and improve Americans’ well-being. In the last decade, we helped secure a dramatic increase in U.S. vehicle fuel efficiency and expanded renewable electricity standards to 29 states and the District of Columbia. UCS provided pivotal analysis that led to the adoption of United Nations financing rules that are slowing deforestation in the tropics. We also worked successfully to bolster the Whistleblower Protection Reform Act, which extended whistleblower protection to federal scientists. Finally, we helped secure Senate ratification of the New START arms control treaty with Russia, reducing the threat from nuclear weapons that have become a security risk in a post-Cold War world.

“We will dearly miss Kevin’s vision, leadership and kindness, and we are so proud to see him devote his considerable skill and talent to service of his country.”