LITTLE ROCK – Today, the Arkansas Senate confirmed Shane Khoury to be secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment. Khoury previously served as the chief counsel to the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment.
“Shane’s years of experience with state energy and environment policy will be an asset as we ensure our energy industry can continue to invest and diversify while preserving the Natural State’s outdoor beauty,” Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. “A reliable, growing energy sector will expand our economy, creating opportunity for every Arkansan, and I’m confident that together, we will unleash Arkansas energy.”
As secretary, Khoury will be responsible for the oversight and direction of the Department of Energy and Environment that includes the Division of Environmental Quality, the Pollution Control and Ecology Commission, the Oil & Gas Commission, the Geological Survey, and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board.
“I am humble and grateful to Governor Sanders and the Senate for this opportunity to continue serving Arkansas as the next secretary of energy and environment,” said Secretary Khoury. “Together, alongside the governor’s office, we will work to foster growth of our energy sector and provide reliable, affordable energy to all Arkansans while responsibly protecting our clean air, water, and land.”
In his previous role as chief counsel, Khoury handled legal and policy matters for the department in addition to working with the General Assembly. He was also a hearing officer for the Oil and Gas Commission.
Khoury has served in Arkansas state government for more than 18 years, with additional activities that include serving as the governor’s associate representative for Arkansas to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC). He currently serves on the IOGCC Steering Committee. He has also participated as a member on the National Council for Electricity Policy, as an alternate on the Southern States Energy Board, and as a chair on the Arkansas State Employee Grievance Appeal Panel/Arkansas State Employee Grievance Review Committee.
“Having personally known and professionally worked with Secretary Khoury over the last 18 years, there is no finer person for this position,” said E&E Chief Administrator of Energy Lawrence E. Bengal. “His dedication, integrity, and in-depth knowledge of energy and environmental issues, vitally important to Arkansas, will serve the citizens of Arkansas well. I look forward to his leadership.”
An Arkansas native, Khoury received his law degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Arkansas State University.
CONTACT: EE-Press@adeq.state.ar.us
