Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold announced new leadership for the Commerce Division of Energy Resources, appointing Kevin Lee as deputy commissioner. Lee brings experiences in energy resource policies, regulation, technology, and economic development that are essential in his new role. 

“Commerce is fortunate to have Kevin Lee stepping into this leadership role at a time when the State of Minnesota has tremendous opportunities to create an innovative clean energy economy,” said Commissioner Arnold. “Minnesota has been a national leader in transitioning to clean energy and advancing energy efficiency, and Kevin brings the right skills to help our state make the right moves for these tremendous opportunities in clean energy.” 

Lee comes to Commerce from the Blue Green Alliance, where he has been the state energy policy director. In that role, he was responsible for organizing a coalition of labor unions and environmental organizations and developing and overseeing implementation of a multi-state plan to advance legislative and regulatory policies on climate change, clean energy, energy efficiency, utility regulation, workforce and labor standards. Prior to his work for the Blue Green Alliance, Kevin directed the Climate and Energy Program at the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, overseeing a team of attorneys, policy analysts, and communications staff to advocate for clean energy policy before state agencies, courts, and legislatures, including the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. 

A graduate of Carleton College, George Washington University Law School, and the Vermont Law School, Lee has also served as faculty at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law and the University of Minnesota Law School, where he directed the Environmental and Energy Law Clinic.

Lee will join Commerce Assistant Commissioner of Energy Resources Katherine Blauvelt in developing, advocating for, and administering the state’s energy resource policies and programs. Lee will oversee two areas: the Energy Regulation and Planning and the State Energy Office, which encompass work to advocate on behalf of Minnesota consumers before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, to promote energy conservation, to develop and use innovations in energy technology, and to advance equity in energy resources. 

Lee will start with the Minnesota Department of Commerce on March 2, 2022. Lee replaces the previous Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Energy Resources, who resigned on January 4, 2022. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mo Schriner, Communications Director 

Minnesota Department of Commerce