Obama names Utech new adviser for energy and climate change

WASHINGTON — Dan Utech, a longtime Washington insider, has been named as President Barack Obama’s new adviser on energy and climate change, a White House official said.

Utech came to the Obama administration in 2010 and currently serves as the White House deputy director for climate. He will replace the departing energy and climate adviser, Heather Zichal, whose work the president praised Friday.

For the last 31/2 years, Utech has played a significant role in developing and implementing much of the president’s energy and climate agenda.

In his new position, which he will begin Monday, Utech will also have to explain to the public the administration’s stand on often-contentious energy and environmental issues, such as the Keystone XL oil pipeline and new rules to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

Environmentalists welcomed Utech’s appointment.

“Dan Utech is a leader, a seasoned expert, and the right person for this critical energy and climate post,” said Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “He’s well-suited to carry forward the policies our country needs to expand clean energy, cut carbon pollution, address climate change and protect health.”

Utech has experience with Congress that could prove helpful as he champions the White House’s energy and climate priorities.