Today, the Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy (FE) announced the appointment of Lou Hrkman as Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Clean Coal and Carbon Management.  As DAS for Clean Coal and Carbon Management, Mr. Hrkman will oversee research, development, and demonstration of advanced coal-based power systems. 

Mr. Hrkman has more than two decades of experience in the energy industry, including work in both the public and private sectors. Most recently, he served as a Policy Adviser to Congressman David D. McKinley, who is the Chair of the House Coal Caucus and the Vice Chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee. In this role, Mr. Hrkman advised Congressman McKinley on various policy issues and pending legislation pertaining to energy, environment, veterans affairs, telecommunications, trade, and taxes.  He also previously served as a Legislative Fellow for Congressman Gus Bilirakis, assisting on Energy and Power Subcommittee hearings.

Prior to his service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Hrkman was a Business Development Manager at Ingersoll Rand Inc., from 2010 to 2013. In this role, he led efforts to provide energy-efficient and sustainable business solutions in Virginia. Additionally, from 1993 to 2010, Mr. Hrkman held several management positions at Siemens Industry Inc., including National Sales Manager and Director within energy and environmental solutions.

Mr. Hrkman 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.