About Quizzes

Secretaries of Energy

Department of Energy SealThe Department of Energy's overarching mission is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The department has four strategic goals toward achieving the mission:

  • Nuclear Safety & Security Strategic Goal: Enhance nuclear security through defense, nonproliferation, and environmental efforts.
  • Energy Strategic Goal: Catalyze the timely, material, and efficient transformation of the nation’s energy system and secure U.S. leadership in energy technologies.
  • Science & Innovation Strategic Goal: Maintain a vibrant U.S. effort in science and engineering as a cornerstone of our economic prosperity with clear leadership in strategic areas.
  • Management and Operational Excellence Strategic Goal: Establish an operational and adaptable framework that combines the best wisdom of all Department stakeholders to maximize mission success.
The Secretary of Energy determines major energy policies and planning, and acts as the Department's main spokesperson. He or she ensures efficient communication and working relationships with federal, state, local and tribal governments, as well as the public. The secretary is the principal adviser to the president on national energy matters.
Term of Service
 Secretary Home State Administration
1977 - 1979
 James R. Schlesinger New York Carter
1979 - 1981
 Charles W. Duncan Jr. Texas Carter
1981 - 1982
 James B. Edwards South Carolina Reagan
1982 - 1985
 Donald Paul Hodel Oregon Reagan
1985 - 1989
 John S. Herrington California Reagan
1989 - 1993
 James D. Watkins California G.H.W. Bush
1993 - 1997
 Hazel R. O'Leary New Jersey Clinton
1997 - 1998
 Federico F. Peña Colorado Clinton
1998 - 2001
 Bill Richardson New Mexico Clinton
2001 - 2005
 Spencer Abraham Michigan G.W. Bush
2005 - 2009
 Samuel W. Bodman Illinois G.W. Bush
2009 - 2013
 Steven Chu Missouri Obama
2013 - 2017
 Ernest Moniz Massachusetts Obama
2017 - 2019
 Rick Perry Texas Trump
2019 - 2021
 Dan Brouillette Louisiana Trump
2021 - present
 Jennifer M. Granholm Michigan Biden
See cabinet officers sorted by administration.