After striking out on his first choice, Republican Gov. Chris Sununu has tapped a state energy regulator to lead the Department of Environmental Services.
Robert Scott of Bow is currently a Public Utilities Commissioner, but his term is set to expire this summer.
Sununu praised Scott for his wide-ranging experience that he said will serve Scott well at the Environmental Services Department.
“He’s an expert in a lot of different areas; he’s incredibly well-read,” Sununu said.
Scott is familiar with the department – he worked there for 17 years before joining the PUC, time that included a 10-year stint as director of the Air Resources Division. Scott highlighted his time there in a letter to Sununu expressing interest in the job.
“I feel I have a strong grasp of the workings of the department and the issues associated with ensuring the mission of protecting the environment and public health while balancing the needs of a strong economy,” he wrote to Sununu on May 31.
Sununu withdrew his last nominee for the job in April, citing concerns from the five-member Executive Council in charge of approving appointments. Councilors said they couldn’t back Bedford businessman Peter Kujawski over what they called a lack of experience in environmental services.
The Executive Council is expected to have a hearing on Scott’s nomination June 15.
(Allie Morris can be reached at 369-3307 or amorris@cmonitor.com.)