DOE-NE Assistant Secretary Dr. Huff Leaving DOE in May

ECA thanks Dr Kathryn Huff, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy Office, for her leadership and strong support for communities across the DOE complex as she announces her return to professorship at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Throughout her tenure, Dr. Huff has been a champion for advancing nuclear energy - from working to ensure availability of nuclear fuels domestically, supporting advanced nuclear technology developers and restarting the consent-based siting program. Under her leadership, she promoted resources for local elected officials, existing and future and nuclear communities to better understand the myriad opportunities new nuclear development presents and engaging with transparency on issues like cost, fuels, workforce and manufacturing needs, and nuclear waste management. 

ECA appreciates the relationships Dr. Huff has built in our communities during her time as Assistant Secretary. Dr. Huff.  We were especially excited to host her at ECA Forums on New Nuclear Development in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Paducah, KY, where she joined local governments, community leaders and representatives from across the nuclear ecosystem to create the partnerships necessary for new nuclear development and deployment.

With Dr. Huff's departure, Dr. Goff will become the Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy.  He currently serves as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary.  ECA is excited that Dr. Goff is a keynote speaker at ECA's third New Nuclear Forum: Building Nuclear Partnerships & Projects in the Tri-Cities, WA, May 8-9.

Dr. Huff's announcement at this time of year - and especially in an election year - is not unusual and serves as a reminder that other political appointees and administration leaders are likely to follow. As leadership changes and transition begins, it is a good time to reflect on successful engagement efforts and how we want to be engaged moving forward.