Gov. Kevin Stitt appoints Ken McQueen as new Oklahoma energy secretary

Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday appointed a former oil executive and Environmental Protection Agency official to serve as his energy secretary.

Ken McQueen, who most recently served as an EPA administrator for the region that includes Oklahoma, will serve as Stitt's next Cabinet secretary for energy and environment.

McQueen, of Tulsa, has more than 40 years of experience in government, academia and the energy industry, according to a news release from Stitt's office.

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Most recently, McQueen was based in Dallas while working as a regional administrator for the EPA, the first native-born Oklahoman to serve in that position. He also served as a national energy policy adviser for the EPA.

Before that, he was appointed by New Mexico's most recent Republican governor to serve as the state's secretary for energy, minerals and natural resources.

“I’m delighted for the opportunity to return to my home state and actively participate in the advancement of Oklahoma’s energy and environmental resources,” McQueen said in the news release.

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From 2002 to 2016, McQueen was the vice president of WPX Energy, which is based in Tulsa.

McQueen graduated from the University of Tulsa with a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering. He also has worked as an adjunct professor at the university.

McQueen will succeed Ken Wagner, who will resign next month from Stitt's Cabinet.

The governor said McQueen's extensive experience will make him an asset to his administration.

“I am excited to work with Ken to continue the great progress we’ve made to make Oklahoma a national leader in energy innovation," Stitt said.

McQueen's appointment is contingent upon approval from the state Senate.