PORTLAND (AP) — The director of the Oregon Department of Energy has resigned after about a year on the job. Lisa Schwartz’s resignation Friday leaves the agency seeking its fifth director in five years.
The Department of Energy did not provide a reason for Schwartz’s resignation. Schwartz did not return calls for comment. Deputy Director Michael Kaplan is now serving as acting director.
According to The Oregonian, the department has endured heavy criticism from utilities, energy advocates and auditors for the fees it charges energy suppliers, a lack of budgeting accountability, alignment with environmental interests and its oversight of controversial incentive programs such as a business energy tax credit.
A spokeswoman for the governor’s office said a national search would be conducted for a replacement.
