Former Louisiana State Official Scott A. Angelle has been named the director of the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).
The BSEE said on Monday that Angelle, who most recently served as the vice chairman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, would assume his new position on Tuesday, May 23.
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said: “Scott Angelle brings a wealth of experience to BSEE, having spent many years working for the safe and efficient energy production of both Louisiana’s and our country’s offshore resources.”
Angelle, who will serve as the fourth director in BSEE’s history, held numerous positions in Louisiana State and Parish governments, including Interim Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, and St. Martin Parish President.
In the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Angelle served at the request of then Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal as a liaison to the federal government and negotiated an early end to the previous administration’s drilling moratorium.
Angelle said: “I welcome the opportunity to serve President Trump and Secretary Zinke, and work with BSEE staff to meet the critical goal of energy dominance for our country. I look forward to leading our efforts to empower the offshore oil and gas industry while ensuring safe and environmentally responsible operations.”
He also served for eight years as Louisiana’s Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. Under his leadership, the state’s coastal permitting system was reformed, providing for efficient permitting while increasing drilling rig counts in Louisiana by more than 150 percent during his tenure.