RWE has recruited Amanda Lefton, who was director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), to lead its offshore wind development off the east coast of the US.
In that role Lefton led development and implementation of the Biden Administration’s ambitious offshore wind agenda, including all federal offshore wind leasing, project reviews, and policy and regulatory matters. Most recently, she served as the senior policy director of energy and climate at Foley Hoag.
RWE has acquired a US offshore wind development pipeline of more than 4GW, including the largest lease area in the New York Bight.
Lefton’s portfolio will include RWE’s 3GW Community Offshore Wind project, a joint venture with National Grid Ventures.
At BOEM, Lefton advanced an “all-of-government” approach and worked closely with colleagues in leadership at the Department of the Interior, the White House, other federal agencies, tribal nations, state governments and myriad stakeholders to tackle key energy and environmental issues.
RWE Offshore Wind Holdings chief executive Sam Eaton said: “Amanda has successfully created significant momentum for the offshore wind industry in the US.
“Her know-how navigating all levels of government has resulted in the approval and now construction of the nation’s first two offshore wind projects.
“It’s no secret that Amanda’s leadership permeates the entire industry and I’m thrilled that she has decided to continue her career at RWE.”
RWE Development, US East vice president Lefton added: “Now more than ever, we must find scalable solutions to tackle the climate crisis.
“RWE has a strong track record of taking projects from conception to reality which is the precise expertise needed to deliver offshore wind to our States.
“Joining the RWE team is an exciting opportunity to get more projects in the water by continuing to shape this growing industry to approach development holistically, drive technological innovation and supply chain localisation, and to deliver benefits to underserved communities.”
Prior to serving as the director for BOEM, Lefton served as the first assistant secretary for energy and environment for the former Governor of New York where she led the State’s climate and environmental initiatives and managed a portfolio of twelve agencies and authorities.