Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson on February 22 signed into law his legislative package on government efficiencies, which combines numerous state agencies and includes a transfer of the Arkansas Energy Office (AEO) to the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
According to the Governor, transferring AEO from to ADEQ will better align state agencies managing $13.7 million in the Volkswagen settlement funds that will go toward improving the air quality, alternative fuel, and energy infrastructure in Arkansas. The move also aims to create better synergy between the department, allowing them to increase responsiveness and implementation of existing energy-efficiency programs.
“ADEQ is excited to be a part of Governor Hutchinson’s focus on identifying efficiency opportunities and effective energy policies for Arkansas,” says ADEQ Director Becky Keogh. “The synergy created by aligning AEO with ADEQ will be beneficial for environmental and energy-valued projects. We look forward to AEO joining us and continuing our advancement of value-added services to Arkansas businesses and citizens.”
For more information, email press@governor.arkansas.gov.
