Providence, RI – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today announced his nomination of Marion S. Gold for Commissioner of Energy Resources for the State of Rhode Island.
"As we as a state work to put Rhode Island at the forefront of energy sustainability and affordability, the Office of Energy Resources will be a key partner in our efforts," Governor Lincoln Chafee said. "Marion's extensive experience with renewable energy issues will be a tremendous asset as we strive to put Rhode Island on a path to greater energy efficiency."
The Commissioner oversees the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (RIOER), which works to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in the State of Rhode Island.
The Office offers programs to assist residents, businesses, cities and towns, and institutions with their energy needs.
Because our small, densely settled state has few energy sources within its borders, the office works to secure our energy independence by increasing our supply options to include energy efficiency and renewable energy and to rely less on oil, gas, coal and nuclear energy that are produced outside our state.
Gold has served as Director of the University of Rhode Island's Outreach and Energy Center since 2004. She previously served as Coordinator of URI's Extension Education and Research Program from 1994 to 2004. Prior to that, she was Director of the Recycling Program at the Rhode Island Resource Management Corporation from 1987 to 1994 and Senior Environmental Planner for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management from 1984 to 1987.
Gold earned her PhD in Environmental Studies from the University of Rhode Island, her MS in Environmental Economies from Michigan State University, and her BS in Natural Resources Science and Policy from the University of Michigan.
Her nomination is subject to the advice and consent of the Rhode Island Senate.