Scott J. Glenn has been named Hawaii’s first chief energy officer, following his confirmation by the Hawaii State Senate last week. Glenn, who was appointed to the position by Gov. David Ige last fall, will lead the Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) in its mission to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient, clean energy, decarbonized economy.
The chief energy officer position was created by the Legislature last year as part of Act 122, which expanded the Energy Office’s responsibilities and gave the office more autonomy to carry out its mission. The legislation provides statutory authority for the CEO to lead the Energy Office and guide the state to reach its clean energy and decarbonization goals.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as Hawaii’s first chief energy officer as we move ahead toward our 2045 goals for clean energy and a clean economy,” Glenn said. “I am grateful to Gov. Ige for his support in nominating me to this important position and to the Senate for its vote of confidence. I look forward to engaging with all our community and industry stakeholders as we work together to build a clean and equitable energy future.”
Gov. Ige appointed Glenn acting CEO on Oct. 16, 2019. His term runs through Dec. 5, 2022. Glenn’s nomination was supported by Sen. Glenn Wakai, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism. The Committee received testimony from 51 individuals, organizations, businesses, and government agencies in support of Glenn’s nomination.
“Scott’s extensive experience in the private and public sector, as well as his dedication to helping the state reach its clean energy and decarbonization goals, make him a great fit for this job,” Gov. Ige said. “His command of energy, environmental and climate policy will prove invaluable as Hawaii transitions to a clean energy future.”
Wakai added, “Scott Glenn is the perfect person to lead Hawaii’s energy crusade. He has dramatically increased morale in the State Energy Office and made the office relevant. He is an exemplary collaborator and has a proven track record of achieving results. I have full faith in Scott Glenn’s ability to propel us towards our clean energy goals.”
Before being named CEO, Glenn served as director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control, where he led the modernization of the state environmental review process by developing new administrative rules and updating best practices.
In addition, Scott co-chairs the Sustainable Hawaii Initiative, and is the liaison to the U.S. Climate Alliance – a coalition of U.S. governors committed to the Paris Agreement. In these roles, he works with state, county, and federal agencies, as well as communities across the state and stakeholders nationally and internationally to coordinate state policy development on energy, climate change, and key sustainability initiatives.
About the Hawaii State Energy Office
The Hawaii State Energy Office (HSEO) is an attached agency of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. HSEO is committed to developing and deploying high impact solutions that will maximize Hawaii’s renewable energy resources and improve efficiency and transportation standards. Through effective policies and innovative programs, HSEO has positioned Hawaii as a leader in clean energy innovation, which will generate quality jobs, attract investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth. For more information, visit energy.hawaii.gov.