Head of Governor's Energy Office stepping down
File Photo / James McCarthy
Patrick Woodcock, director of the Governor's Energy Office, will leave his post on Dec. 9.
Patrick Woodcock, who led Gov. Paul LePage’s Energy Office since 2013, will leave his post on Dec. 9.
Woodcock, 34, said he grew frustrated by the undue influence of special interest groups in shaping the state’s energy policies. “Augusta is really broken,” he told the Portland Press Herald.
Woodcock worked toward LePage’s goal of expanding natural gas capacity and cutting rates for customers, which at times drew criticism from environmental groups, Maine Public reported.
Woodcock did not say what’s next, but said he hopes to stay in the energy sector.
“I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with many talented energy professionals on behalf of the State of Maine to reduce heating costs and address our regional energy infrastructure,” Woodcock said in a statement. “I strongly believe that sensible policies could transform Maine and this region into the cleanest and one of the lowest energy cost regions in the country.”
Prior to joining the state energy office, the Bowdoin College graduate was a senior advisor for energy and environment for former U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe.
“Patrick Woodcock has done an outstanding job, not just for the State of Maine, but also for the New England region,” said LePage in a prepared statement. “He has been at the forefront of discussions on how to lower energy for the Maine people and the people of New England.
His expertise and his ability to communicate energy policy is unmatched. Although his departure is a sad day for our administration, we are proud of the job he has done for Maine, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”
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