ENERGY.GOV: David M. Turk Sworn In as Deputy Secretary of Energy

David M. Turk was sworn in today as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm, following a bipartisan vote of 98-2 in the United States Senate.

“I am so grateful to have such a blockbuster deputy at my side, who brings unmatched experience and commitment to DOE’s core missions,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Dave will help guide our work to maintain the nuclear deterrent and deploy the clean energy technologies we need as we hustle to secure our nation’s future—and save the planet.”

“It is a distinct honor to have President Biden’s trust and confidence as I once again join the ranks of talented, dedicated and passionate public servants at the Department of Energy,” said Deputy Secretary of Energy David M. Turk. “DOE is where America turns for solutions to our toughest problems. I look forward to supporting Secretary Granholm and all 110,000 members of the team as we execute on DOE’s expansive portfolio and strive to better the lives of all Americans.”

Prior to his nomination as Deputy Secretary, Turk was the Deputy Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), where he focused on helping countries around the world tackle their clean energy transitions. He also directed reports on the digitalization of energy systems, the future of clean hydrogen, and a project tracking progress on a wide range of clean energy technologies.

During the Obama-Biden Administration, Turk served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Climate and Technology at DOE, coordinating international technology and clean energy efforts. During this time, he helped spearhead the launch of Mission Innovation—a global effort to enhance clean energy innovation.

Turk also served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director at the U.S. National Security Council, where he coordinated interagency legislative affairs efforts among the national security agencies and provided legislative advice to National Security Council decision-making. He also previously worked at the U.S. Department of State, including as Deputy Special Envoy for Climate Change and helping to coordinate New Start Treaty ratification efforts in the U.S. Senate.

Earlier in his career, Turk worked in both the U.S. Senate, primarily on national security issues, and as the Staff Director of the National Security Subcommittee of the House Oversight Committee.

Turk was born in Quito, Ecuador and raised in Rock Falls, Illinois. He is a graduate of both the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Virginia Law School. He and his wife, Emily Turk, have three children.