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Jewell appoints new director of BOEM
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell has named Abigail Ross Hopper as the new director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the government agency that manages offshore energy exploration, development and production on the federal outer continental shelf. Hopper, who is currently director of the Maryland Energy Administration, takes over management of BOEM director from acting director Walter Cruickshank. Cruickshank is becoming the agency’s deputy director.
“Abigail Hopper’s knowledge of the energy sector, experience working with a wide variety of stakeholders and her legal expertise will be valuable assets to the bureau and the department as we continue to ensure the safe and responsible development of our domestic energy and mineral resources and stand up an offshore wind program,” Jewell said in a Dec. 18 statement announcing Hopper’s appointment. “She is an accomplished professional who brings strategic leadership and long-term vision to the job, and I look forward to having her as a member of our senior leadership team.”
Hopper has led the Maryland Energy Administration since 2012 and has acted as energy advisor to Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley since 2010, Interior said. The Maryland Energy Administration coordinates and directs energy planning for Maryland state agencies, while also helping local governments implement energy efficiency programs and helping businesses benefit from new technologies and emerging energy markets.
Hopper was pivotal in ensuring the passage of the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 and oversaw programs designed to achieve Maryland’s strategic energy goals, including increasing renewable energy production, reducing energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Interior said.
After graduating from the University of Maryland School of Law, Hopper spent nine years in private practice before entering public service as the deputy general counsel with the Maryland Public Service Commission, Interior said.
- Alan Bailey
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