Framingham Rep. Robinson Faces U.S. Senators Over DOE Nomination

FRAMINGHAM, MA — State Rep. Maria Robinson (D-Framingham) faced questions from U.S. Senators on Tuesday before her appointment to a leadership role in the U.S. Energy Department.

President Joe Biden in September tapped Robinson to become an assistant secretary in the Office of Electricity at the U.S. Department of Energy. Robinson previously worked as a consultant helping the state hire contractors for renewable energy projects. She also has a chemical engineering degree from MIT, and a degree in energy law from the University of Tulsa.

She highlighted her past work in renewable energy during an opening statement before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, chaired by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia).

"My focus on energy and electricity policy emerged from an initial technological interest as an
undergraduate studying chemical engineering at MIT, but I have found a true passion for being at
the nexus of technology and policy," she told senators. "My time at Navigant Consulting allowed me to work directly with state and local governments, utilities, independent power producers, and major corporations on strategy and implementation of programs to strengthen generation, transmission, and distribution across the nation’s grid."

Several senators questioned Robinson about different aspects of energy policy, including Manchin, and U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma).

Manchin, who operates a coal company along with his family, told Robinson he would be concerned about the reliability of the electrical grid under a move toward more green energy sources, like wind and solar.

"Reliability is the No. 1 concern," she said, also highlighting the recent $1 trillion infrastructure bill that could help upgrade the electrical grid.

The Senate committee did not vote on Robinson's appointment. Manchin is allowing senators to submit more questions to Robinson and two other nominees until Wednesday evening.

If confirmed, Robinson will vacate the 6th Middlesex District state House seat, which she first won in 2018. Former Framingham City Councilor Margareth Shepard is so far the only candidate who has announced their intention to run for the seat.