H.R. 1311 would authorize the Department of State to establish an Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources. That official would be responsible for promoting U.S. energy interests abroad and for coordinating associated policies within the department. The legislation would also require the department to ensure that a sufficient number of staff are available to formulate policy, provide analysis, and coordinate with other federal and international entities on energy policies.
Between 2018 and 2021, the Bureau of Energy Resources was led by an Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources. Reestablishing the position would authorize the State Department to replace a lower ranking incumbent with a Senate-confirmed appointee. CBO expects that the Department of State would increase staffing by one person to fill that position.
