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Culver names expert to lead Office of Energy Independence

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By Todd Dorman | Tuesday, August 7, 2007 12:10 AM CDT | () comments

DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Chet Culver chose a veteran renewable energy expert Monday to lead the state’s new Office of Energy Independence.

Roya Stanley — who works for the National Energy Laboratory in Colorado — will lead an office created by Culver and state lawmakers to administer the $100 million Iowa Power Fund.

Stanley, 53, also has long Iowa ties. She spent 18 years of her career with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources developing energy policy.

“When making this decision on this critically important appointment, I strongly believed that vast experience in the field was a necessity. Ms. Stanley has 25 years of experience in the field of renewable energy, both in Iowa and on a national level,” Culver said in a statement.

Stanley is expected to take over the job later this month, although her appointment must still be confirmed by the Iowa Senate when lawmakers return to the Capitol next year. Her new role will involve educating the public on renewable energy, raising funds for energy projects and advising the governor on energy-related issues.

She also will oversee development of the state’s energy independence plan and coordinate energy programs that already exist within the DNR and Iowa Department of Economic Development.

Stanley will be paid $120,016 annually, according to the governor’s office.

“I am absolutely delighted to accept this appointment,” Stanley said in a statement. “Being appointed to this important position is an enormous honor, and I look forward to returning to Iowa and working to maintain Iowa’s leadership in the field of renewable energy.”

Culver pushed hard for the creation of the Power Fund with hopes of sparking renewable energy research in the state. Although Stanley’s office will manage the fund, grants will be awarded by an 18-member board.

During her time in Iowa, Stanley served as the DNR’s energy bureau chief and led the way on several renewable energy efforts, including expanding investments in wind power and exploring the use of switchgrass to make motor fuel.

At the National Energy Laboratory, Stanley served as a liaison to state, local and agriculture officials across the country. Stanley holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in business administration from Colorado State University.

Todd Dorman can be contacted at (515) 243-0138 or at todd.dorman@lee.net.