Lou Hrkman is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy within the U.S. Department of Energy. In this role, he oversees a $3.2 billion budget focused on the research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system.
Mr. Hrkman has more than two decades of experience in the energy industry, including work in both the public and private sectors. Prior to his current position, he was an Energy Advisor to Congresswoman Debbie Lesko of Arizona, working on several energy and water issues and playing an instrumental role in the development of legislation to reform the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and various energy efficiency rules. Mr. Hrkman also served as a Senior Policy Advisor for the House Select Committee on Climate, Minority Staff, and a Policy Advisor to Congressman David D. McKinley of West Virginia. In this role, he advised Congressman McKinley on various policy issues and pending legislation pertaining to energy and the environment. Mr. Hrkman also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Advanced Energy Systems and Carbon Management within the Department of Energy. In this position, Mr. Hrkman oversaw the Department’s research, development, and demonstration initiatives in advanced, fossil fuel-based power systems, critical mineral development, rare earth elements, and carbon capture, sequestration, and storage.
Mr. Hrkman held various management positions over a 25-year span, including serving as an Officer in the United States Air Force. He earned his BA in Political Science and Government from Miami University, his MPA from the University of South Dakota, and his MBA from the College of William and Mary.