Framingham State Rep Appointed To Federal Department Of Energy Role

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Framingham state representative Maria Duaime Robinson resigned from her seat in the state Legislature Tuesday after she was appointed to a position within the U.S. Department of Energy, the federal department announced Tuesday.

Robinson, who has represented the 6th Middlesex District, was named director of grid deployment within the department as President Joe Biden pursues the country's transition to a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. She was one of seven new department appointees announced by the Biden-Harris administration Tuesday.

“We’re thrilled to welcome to the Department of Energy an amazing array of talented individuals, who bring their experience at all levels — from industry and academia, and from city halls to the White House,” said DOE Chief of Staff Christopher Davis. “These appointees understand the importance of this moment and will tackle the increasingly critical work of carrying out President Biden’s bold goals for climate action.”

“I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to Representative Robinson on her new role as Director of Grid Deployment within the U.S. Department of Energy," said Framingham Mayor Charles Sisitsky Wednesday morning. "While her departure is certainly a loss to Framingham, and the State House, she will undoubtedly be an asset to President Biden’s administration."

The mayor added that he was "grateful for her tenure here in Framingham." Sisitsky called her "a dedicated public servant and strong advocate for our city and its residents."

Biden previously had considered Robinson for a position in the Department of Energy. In September 2021, she was nominated by Biden to serve as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, but the White House withdrew her nomination on June 8.

The new DOE hires form a historically diverse team comprised of 58% women, 57% people of color, and 15% of staff identifying as LGBTQ+.

Robinson has an extensive background in energy policy. She led the bicameral Clean Energy Caucus and was the Massachusetts state lead for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, where she also served on the board. Robinson was the only state legislator on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Act Advisory Committee.

The state representative also served on the faculty at Tufts University’s School of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy, bringing her expertise in energy policy to graduate students. Prior to her election in 2018, Robinson led Advanced Energy Economy’s Wholesale Markets Program, which included engagement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the regional transmission organizations.

Previously, Robinson focused on regulatory issues relating to energy and air, including a 27-state campaign with governors’ offices, legislatures, and energy and environmental regulators. Robinson also worked for Navigant Consulting in the renewable energy practice, supporting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in analyzing and procuring contractors for statewide renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Robinson holds an S.B. in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Jurisprudence in energy law from the University of Tulsa. She interned with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water with former U.S. Representative Jay Inslee, who is now the governor of Washington, according to her State House biography.

She is a member of the Framingham Democratic Committee and previously was a member of Town Meeting when Framingham was a town. Robinson is also a lifetime Girl Scout.

Requests for comment to Robinson's office were not immediately returned.