Dr. Tony Reames, an assistant professor at the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), has been appointed a Senior Advisor to the Department of Energy’s Office of Economic Impact and Diversity. In this role, Reames will be responsible for energy justice policy and analysis to ensure energy investments and benefits reach frontline communities and Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Dr. Reames to have a big impact on a national scale,” said Jonathan Overpeck, the Samuel A. Graham Dean and the William B. Stapp Collegiate Professor of Environmental Education. “As the Biden Administration prioritizes environmental justice and clean energy, now is the time for change. This is a pivotal moment for energy justice, and the Biden Administration is lucky to have Tony’s expertise, experience, and commitment to creating a more just world.”

To take on this important role, Reames will take a one-year leave of absence from his responsibilities at SEAS, though he’ll remain connected to SEAS and the Urban Energy Justice Lab. His work on the Energy Equity Project and other Urban Energy Justice Lab research will also continue under the leadership of project manager Justin Schott.

Read the full announcement from the Biden-Harris Administration and Department of Energy

Tony Reames