Kathleen Theoharides, Governor Charlie Baker’s Secretary of the Mass Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs announced she was stepping down from her position last week, and recently announced she will take a position as head of offshore development at RWE Renewables Americas.

During her time working in the Baker administration, Theoharides was a major advocate for the offshore wind industry and their quest to industrialize our ocean with colossal wind turbines, which will have a negative impact on our ocean ecosystem and the fishing industry. The former head of environment for Massachusetts cashed out for the very same interests she spent much of her state government career advocating for.   

“Climate Katie spent years advocating for offshore wind’s interests and their desire to industrialize our ocean. During that time, she claimed it was for the environment but today, it’s clear why. The last missing piece to the puzzle is finally in place,” stated Paul Diego Craney, spokesperson for Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

“Climate Katie not just advocated for the interests of offshore wind companies, she also did so at the expense of ordinary Massachusetts ratepayers. During her time in state government, she was outspoken and in favor of lifting the offshore wind ‘price cap,’ which will help the bottom line for offshore wind companies and remove a protection for Massachusetts ratepayers. This will result in higher electricity bills for ratepayers and more money for the industry she is going to work for next,” continued Craney.

“Advocating for the interests of offshore wind companies while working in state government, only to end up working for those interests once you leave state government, is a clear conflict,” continued Craney.