Karen Frantz
GHG Monitor
1/10/14
Former National Energy Technology Laboratory Director Anthony Cugini was found dead earlier this week. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office in Pennsylvania confirmed Cugini’s death, saying the cause is still under investigation. According to local media reports, though, Cugini was found dead in the Wingfield Pines Conservation Area the morning of Jan. 8 in an apparent accidental fall. Cugini had resigned as NETL Director last year amid an investigation by the Department of Energy’s Inspector General’s Office into possible misuse of position, and was later indicted by a federal grand jury for an obstruction of justice charge.
In a statement to GHG Monitor, Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz said, "We are deeply saddened by the death of former National Energy Technology Laboratory Director Anthony Cugini. I had the pleasure to meet Anthony early in his tenure as NETL Director, worked with him on a shared vision for fossil energy R&D, appreciated his deep knowledge of energy technology, and recognized his dedication to helping the Department advance its mission of a clean energy future. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this very difficult time."
Prior to his appointment as Director in January 2010, Cugini served as Director of NETL’s Office of Research and Development. Cugini received B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining NETL, he held positions at Pentek Inc. and Gulf Oil Corporation. Cugini also held the title of Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from 1996 to 2006.
In mid-September, Cugini was abruptly removed from his position and escorted off-site by security. He was placed on administrative leave until Oct. 11, when he officially resigned. He has since been replaced on an acting basis by Deputy Director Scott Klara. The DOE Inspector General’s office said this week it could not comment on why Cugini was under investigation or whether the investigation would continue. DOE did not respond to requests for comment on the investigation and Cugini’s lawyer, J. Alan Johnson, did not return multiple phone calls by press time.
