Tamar Hallerman
GHG Monitor
10/18/13

Anthony Cugini has officially resigned as director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory, according to a message acting Assistant Energy Secretary for Fossil Chris Smith sent to employees Oct. 16. Cugini’s resignation, which took effect Oct. 11, came approximately a month after he was placed on administrative leave for reasons that remain unclear. That move reportedly came, though, as part of an ongoing DOE Inspector General’s Office investigation. It is unclear if Cugini is still with DOE in some other capacity. DOE headquarters and NETL declined to comment.

Cuigini was named director of NETL in January 2010, and before that was director of NETL’s Office of Research and Development. In his message this week, Smith thanked Cugini for his time at the lab. “I am also taking this opportunity to thank each of you for your service, dedication and patience as we transition leadership roles at NETL,” Smith said in the message, which clarified that Deputy Director Scott Klara will continue to serve as acting Director of the lab until a permanent replacement is found. “Until then, I ask that you continue to give Mr. Klara your support and dedication in meeting the mission requirements of NETL,” Smith said.